Cornerbacks David Pittman, Derrick Martin and Ronnie Prude joined the Ravens in 2006 with varying degrees of expectations. Whether they remain with their first NFL organization is a mystery that likely won't be answered until the 53-man roster is finalized in eight days.
Pittman played for Division I-AA Northwestern State but performed well enough in the Senior Bowl to be selected in the third round of the NFL draft. Martin overcame questions about his height (5 feet 10) and school (Wyoming) to warrant a sixth-round pick. And Prude shrugged off a disappointing draft weekend and made the Ravens' roster as an undrafted rookie.
Still, Pittman, Martin and Prude are battling for one of a few spots on the Ravens' roster, and even though all three have two seasons of experience playing in defensive coordinator Rex Ryan's complicated system, their status is anything but cemented.
"I don't look at it as being any different from the pressure of the position that we play," Pittman said. "You can't be thinking about stuff like that. It's incumbent for people in this position to have a competitive edge. You have a great group of young and talented guys. So there is competition going on, but I don't think anybody really worries about the decisions that are going to be made by the front office. We just go out there and compete, and we're still trying to make each other better."
It appeared Martin had taken the lead after intercepting rookie quarterback John David Booty and returning the ball 22 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Ravens' 23-15 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night.
But Martin has missed practice this week with a right shoulder injury and is questionable for tomorrow night's preseason game against the St. Louis Rams.
Pittman added 10 to 12 pounds of bulk to his frame to deal with bigger receivers and become a presence in the rush defense, but he has been hobbled by a sore arch in his foot. Prude has also recorded an interception this preseason, but he gave up a long touchdown during practice while goofing off with a football under his jersey.
After last season, during which the pass defense ranked 20th in yards allowed (222.3 per game) and tied for 26th in passing touchdowns surrendered (27), the organization addressed the cornerback position during the offseason.
