Two years of field time under Nick Saban was all Marlon Humphrey needed at the University of Alabama, in having a chance to pursue a career in the National Football League. A former five-star prospect and Hoover (Ala.) High School alum, the son of ex-Crimson Tide standout, Bobby Humphrey, signed in Alabama top-ranked 2014 recruiting class. After redshirting his freshman season, Humphrey turned in solid numbers in 2015.
He collected 45 total tackles, eight pass breakups, three interceptions and two forced fumbles, assisting the Tide to a Southeastern Conference championship and a College Football Playoff national championship.
Humphrey’s defining moment in the 2016 title game was when he recovered an executed onside kick from Adam Griffith against Clemson in the second half. Through 15 games last season, his output in tackles decreased (36) but Humphrey’s on ball production remained the same. He registered three tackles for loss, five pass breakups, two interceptions (one score) and a forced fumble, en route to a third conference title.
| Humphrey’s Strengths | Humphrey’s Weaknesses |
| Size (6-foot-1, 196 pounds) | Susceptible to deep passes |
| Hands | Gets caught not facing the ball |
| Ball skills | Struggles in press man coverage |
| Tackling (run support) | Issues defending bigger WRs (6’2″ and taller) |
| Eye Control | Often flagged for pass interference fouls |
While 13 teams have cornerback as a top need, Humphrey will be looking to impress one franchise in particular during the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine from Feb. 28-March 6, 2017. He projects as the 21st overall prospect and No. 3 at cornerback for this year’s draft class, according to the CBS NFL Draft tracker.
Humphrey could be taken off the board any point in the first round.
| NFL fits for Marlon Humphrey | Scheduled picks in first round |
| New Orleans Saints | No. 11 overall pick |
| Seattle Seahawks | No. 26 overall pick |
| Atlanta Falcons | No. 31 overall pick |
| Green Bay Packers | No. 29 overall pick |
| Dallas Cowboys | No. 28 overall pick |
Who drafts Marlon Humphrey: New Orleans Saints
Though it would be a dream come true scenario for New Orleans to take Baton Rouge, La., native Tim Williams with the 11th pick, getting Humphrey does wonders for its secondary. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen coached the worst pass defense in the NFL in 2016, as the Saints were burned for 4,380 yards (274 ypg) and 27 touchdowns to nine interceptions. Through 16 games, opposing receivers compiled 378 catches for 4,593 yards and 27 touchdowns versus a New Orleans’ defensive backfield that led to its team finishing at 7-9.
Quarterbacks completed 65 percent of their throws against the Saints, while Humphrey aided an Alabama secondary that allowed a 53 percent clip in the last two seasons. During his two years of action, Humphrey helped the Tide force 35 interceptions to 32 touchdown passed allowed.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
