Via Last Word On Pro Football, by Matt Minich
Overview
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6 ‘1”
Weight: 193
School: Alabama Crimson Tide
Marlon Humphrey 2017 NFL Draft Profile
Bama’s Marlon Humphrey knows a thing or two about big time football. His father who also played at Bama was a first round pick and Pro Bowler in the NFL. Humphrey played his high school ball at national powerhouse Hoover High School, which you may remember from the MTV show “Two-A-Days.” At Hoover, he was the top ranked player in the state of Alabama and the third ranked corner in the nation. After redshirting his first season at Bama, Humphrey started for two seasons both of which culminated in a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance.
Playing just two seasons for the Crimson Tide, Humphrey totaled five interceptions. He started across form New England Patriots second round pick Cyrus Jones as a redshirt freshman and this year became the Crimson Tide’s number one corner. While he had a productive season, Humphrey struggled when matched up with Clemson’s Mike Williams in the National Championship this season.
Given the coaches he has played for, it is not surprising that Humphrey seems to be almost a finished product in many ways. He has already developed much of the technique needed to be successful in the NFL. He plays the ball well, particularly the fade ball, and is an excellent tackler.
At best Marlon has some qualities that are reminiscent of Richard Sherman. His attention to detail in his technique and his physical characteristics also resemble that of New England Patriots corner turned safety Devin McCourty. He also has some characteristics that remind you of another Bama corner, Cincinnati Bengals 2012 first round pick Dre Kirkpatrick. Nick Saban and his Bama staff certainly have established their ability to produce high level NFL players on the defensive side of the ball. In that right, Humphrey is just one of the most recent in a long line.
Strengths
- good ball skills.
- plays the fade very well.
- highly skilled tackler – aggressive.
- great body control.
- excellent man coverage skills.
- size and body type that is coveted in modern NFL.
- good hip flexibility.
- takes proper angles in pursuit.
Weaknesses
- will struggle against larger receivers.
- his feet get a little wide at times when closing in on the ball carrier.
- struggles taking on blocks.
- occasionally gives up a play in spite of being in position.
- only competed for two seasons in college.
- jumps double moves at times.
NFL Comparison: Richard Sherman
Teams with Need a Position: Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders
Projection: mid to late first round
Bottom Line
Marlon Humphrey has superb ball skills and demonstrates the ability to successfully defend the fade and slants particular well. He is an excellent tackler, however he has not demonstrated the same aggressiveness in defeating blocks of jamming receivers on the line of scrimmage.
Humphrey’s natural talent has been supported with great coaching. He is a “plug-and-play” player who is ready to contribute immediately in the NFL. How well he can continue to development however, will be the determining factor to whether he is an average or elite player in the NFL.
