The Baltimore Ravens are sitting atop the AFC North with a 7-2 record, far exceeding most expectations. The defense has played impressive football in big matchups, and it just got a little bit stronger. On Tuesday, they announced the activation of rookie fourth-round pick Iman Marshall off of the injured reserve.

A USC product, Marshall measures in at 6-1, 205-pounds. He ran a 4.53-second 40-yard-dash at the NFL Combine. In four years in SoCal, Marshall tallied 218 combined tackles, six interceptions and 36 pass deflections.

Marshall will provide some much-needed depth at the cornerback position. Past starting cornerbacks Marlon Humphery and Marcus Peters, the Ravens have had issues staying healthy. Starting slot defender Tavon Young is on IR, and veteran Jimmy Smith has struggled with a knee injury. Baltimore better hope that the secondary remains healthy enough to keep Marshall on the bench.

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Marshall may be the newest addition to the Ravens' secondary, but he's not the only in-season addition. Peters, acquired from the Los Angeles Rams, has been fantastic. He has two pick-sixes in just three games with his new squad. In those three games, the Ravens have allowed only three touchdown passes. They also have three interceptions. The defensive turnaround is in no small part due to Peters.

If Baltimore wants to maintain its stronghold on the AFC North, they'll need to keep their defensive excellence. The Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams are up next in Weeks 11 and 12, respectively. The Texans have one of the best passing offenses in the NFL, led by quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Rams have been cold lately, but they're still no easy out.