As the NFL Draft approaches, we take a look at each of the Crimson Tide prospects and decipher which teams are the best fits for them.
Position/Size/Weight/40-Time: CB/6-0/197/4.41
Career Stats: 81 Total Tackles, 6.5 TFL, 5 INT (1 TD), 3 FF
Mock Draft Projections: Round 1
Related: Marlon Humphrey’s Impressive Combine
Best Fits (Ranked):
1st – Las Vegas Raiders (27th Pick): The Raiders are not just a team on the move, they are also a team on the rise. Despite being knocked out in the first round of the playoffs a year ago after Derek Carr’s season-ending injury, the Raiders will be a tough team to beat in the coming years. They finished 24th in pass-defense last season, giving up 257.5 yards a game. However, with talents like Bruce Irvin, Khalil Mack, and Reggie Nelson already on board, a stud corner like Humphrey could help take the defense to the next level. However, the Raiders may need some luck to get Humphrey to fall to them at 27.
2nd – Green Bay Packers (29th Pick): Last season’s NFC-runner ups desperately need help on the defensive side of the ball. While the likes of Clay Matthews and Alabama alumni, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix are the cornerstones, Mike McCarthy’s squad needs to add another elite-level talent or two in order to return to the Super Bowl. While it’s unlikely Humphrey slips past 28 other teams, the Packers would be amiss not to add an elite athlete like him to the their much maligned secondary – a secondary that finished second worst in the NFL in passing yards per game. Should the stars align for the Packers and Humphrey, and they manage to make it back to the big stage together, Mike McCarthy may should consider a surprise onside kick in Marlon’s direction.
3rd – New Orleans Saints (11th Pick): Slowly but surely, Sean Payton’s efforts to rebuild the Saints’ horrendous defense is starting to show. With former Pro-Bowler Cameron Jordan in tow, NOLA added Nick Fairley to the defensive line last off-season and linebacker Manti Te’o this year. Outside of Safety Kenny Vaccaro, the Saint’s secondary was a laughingstock in 2016. They finished dead last in passing yards given up at 273.8 yards per game. There is nowhere to go but up and Marlon could only make the Saints’ better. With his combination of size and speed, he could be the piece Payton has been looking for should their pass-rush also take off this season.
Jake Weaver is a contributor for TD Alabama Magazine and Bama Hoops Hype. You can contact him via email at [email protected], phone at 205-612-5060, and follow him on Twitter for sports news/commentary @JAWeaver0
