Anthony Averett Taking Advantage of Golden Opportunity

An injury to Ravens All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters before the season propelled Anthony Averett into the starting lineup and the fourth-year pro has taken full advantage.

Averett was drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. The former Alabama corner has seen his role increase in the Baltimore secondary in each of his first three seasons. In 2020, Averett finished second on the team in pass breakups with seven despite six players being on the field for more coverage snaps.

"We're all confident in him. The sky is the limit for him," said safety Chuck Clark. "We know what type of corner he is, what type of skill set he has. We've seen him in the past go out and cover top receivers in this league, and it's been done quietly, and now it's his time to do it all the time, consistently."

In week two, Averett played a prominent role in slowing down the Chiefs All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill was held to just three receptions for 14 yards. His most impactful play came on a third down in the fourth quarter with the Ravens down five. Averett was in tight man-to-man coverage and able to get a pass breakup that forced Kansas City to punt.

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Last week, Anthony Averett missed practice on Friday because of an ankle injury he suffered on Thursday, but still managed to play 97% of the defensive snaps for Baltimore on Sunday. He finished the day with three tackles, one pass breakup and a game-sealing interception in the endzone. Averett currently leads the Ravens in interceptions in with two.

"I'm on record saying that Double-A's got Pro Bowl talent," said Ravens defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale before the season. "This is his opportunity. He just needs to stand up."  Averett is currently in a contract year and his performance to this point in the season has certainly been at a Pro Bowl level.