Raven’s GM Ozzie Newsome stuck to his typical Draft agenda by selecting yet another prospect from his Alma mater, Alabama. With the 16th overall pick, Newsome and the Ravens selected 6’0” cornerback, Marlon Humphrey.
For Humphrey, Baltimore is a great place to land. Head Coach John Harbaugh runs a very similar defense to that of which Nick Saban runs in Tuscaloosa, meaning the learning curve will be much less dramatic. His athleticism and speed (4.41 40-yard) will help, but his physicality will be key to his success as he works to adjust his technique to the NFL game.
The problem with this pick for Baltimore, though, is their depth chart. They already have a talented veteran in Jimmy Smith at one corner spot, and also just signed free-agent corner Brandon Carr from the Dallas Cowboys. That said, Carr’s signing may have been one focused more on depth because of Smith’s health concerns. Regardless, Humphrey could realistically end up a starter come Fall.
While not a glaring need for the Ravens, Newsome and Harbaugh love themselves some smash-mouth defense and Marlon fits that bill to a T. As an added bonus, he will get to play on a defense already loaded with talents like Eric Weddle, Tony Jefferson, and former Crimson Tide linebacker C.J. Mosley.
Pick Grade: B+
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
