Mike Hilton has earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s best nickel defenders, and Marlon Humphrey is now studying his style to enhance his own play. Although Hilton remains without a team this offseason after stints with the Steelers and Bengals, his approach in the slot is influencing one of Baltimore’s top defensive backs as the 2024 season approaches.
Humphrey recently spoke about adjusting to slot cornerback duties and cited Hilton, a former AFC North competitor, as a key example in his development.
Hilton’s Career Highlights as a Nickel Back
Hilton began his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent with Jacksonville before securing a starting nickel role with the Pittsburgh Steelers by 2017. Over four seasons in Pittsburgh, he amassed 30 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles, showcasing his ability to disrupt offenses from the slot.
After joining the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, Hilton maintained strong production with 36 tackles for loss and six interceptions over four years, but his sack totals dropped to two. Now 31 and currently a free agent, Hilton’s impact as a dynamic slot defender remains a point of reference for players like Humphrey.
Lessons from Hilton and Other Successful Defenders
Humphrey has taken advice from several accomplished nickel defenders across the league, using their techniques to inform his own gameplay. He mentioned specifically drawing from Hilton and fellow Raven Kyle Hamilton, noting their finesse and varied approaches to blitzing.
“I’ve taken notes from a lot of different guys across the league that have a lot of success blitzing, [such as] Mike Hilton and, obviously, Kyle Hamilton, some of those guys that show a lot of just different finesse and different ways to get in there,”
Humphrey said, via the Ravens’ website.
Transitioning from Outside Corner to Slot Defender
While Humphrey has the physical traits to defend outside receivers, he has willingly shifted to the slot position for the benefit of his team. Hilton’s smaller stature limited him to slot roles, where he excelled by playing tough and smart in the midst of offensive schemes. Humphrey is studying Hilton’s style to improve his instincts and impact inside.
Humphrey noted the difference in aggression between the outside and slot roles.
“I’ve come to like it, because [playing outside], there’s only so much aggression you can have when you’ve got to cover Ja’Marr Chase,”
Humphrey said.
“You can’t be too aggressive, but [as a] nickel, you get to get in there, get in the mix and get in ‘the trenches,’ as the big guys call it.”
Ravens’ Defensive Depth Influences Humphrey’s Role
The Ravens’ recent acquisition of cornerback Jaire Alexander, along with veterans Chidobe Awuzie and rising talent Nate Wiggins, has solidified the team’s outside coverage. This depth pushes Humphrey toward the slot, an area where the team seeks a player with Hilton-like versatility and impact in the middle of the field.
In 2023, Humphrey primarily played in the nickel slot and posted an impressive season, intercepting a career-high six passes and earning a spot on the first-team All-Pro list. However, with a total of only six career sacks over eight years, he aims to add more pass-rush elements to his repertoire by learning from Hilton’s tape and tactics.
Significance of Humphrey’s Study and Its Impact on the Ravens
Humphrey’s commitment to learning from Mike Hilton reflects an important evolution in his game and highlights the value of experienced slot defenders in today’s NFL. As the Ravens continue to adjust their secondary lineup, Humphrey’s growth in the nickel position could provide the team with a defensive edge similar to what Hilton brought to his squads.
By adopting Hilton’s blend of aggression and finesse in the slot, Humphrey looks poised to become a more versatile and disruptive defender in 2024, helping Baltimore strengthen a critical part of their defense.