2017 NFL Draft Profile: Cornerback Marlon Humphrey

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey has all the right ingredients to be a star in the NFL. Let’s take a look at his strengths, weaknesses and where he’ll end up in the 2017 NFL Draft.

According to Pro Football Weekly’s 2017 Draft Guide, cornerback Marlon Humphrey “has future Pro Bowl-type talent” and could come “in right away and start for most NFL teams”.

He leaps from the football field and over the hurdles in a single bound. With a Pro Football Hall of Fame and championship pedigree, Humphrey ranks second among NFL.com’s top cornerback draft prospects. Humphrey entered Nick Saban’s program at the University of Alabama as an elite five-star cornerback as well as an all-star track and field athlete.

He long jumps and triple jumps and relays and hurdles. Humphrey has held both state and national track and field titles. He has set records in both high school and college. Obviously, he is “not just the guy who caught the onside kick” in the 2016 CFP National Championship game, he’s a six foot one inch, 196-pound specimen that plays stifling defense against receivers on either side of the field in both man and zone coverages.

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Always in the vicinity of where the ball is thrown on the opposite side of the field, Humphrey finds a way across to make a play and in the mix contributing to the tackle.

During his 2016 season, it wasn’t always easy throwing in Humphrey’s direction. Against receivers, Humphrey allowed for 29 completions coupled with 36 tackles (10 assisted), three for losses, five pass breakups, one forced fumble and two interceptions with one for an 18-yard return.

STRENGTHS

Uses track and field foundation which contributes to his body control and leaping ability especially in jump ball situations
Speed, burst, and agility against defenders coming off the line of scrimmage
Uses his body to disrupt the receivers’ routes
Tackles well after the catch
Natural athletic talent balanced with mental strength
Forces quarterbacks to play away from his coverage

WEAKNESSES

Some have expressed concerns about his coverage in deep ball situations getting beat beyond 20-yards.
In multiple games has allowed 33-yards receptions
Arm tackles and tackles high. Has an arm grab and pull motion technique, then throws to the ground.
May have difficulty against bigger stronger wide receivers

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

Humphrey is easily a first-round selection due to everything he brings to the table. He’s a natural born defender and will be a cornerstone for years to come. Keep an eye on him once he starts his rookie season since he will immediately start to make a name for himself.

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