2017 NFL Draft: 8 players Chiefs could target in first round
By John McCarty
Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama (6-foot-1, 200 pounds, RS Sophomore)
If anyone has failed to notice, Alabama is really good, again. The Crimson Tide is loaded with NFL talent all over the field, especially on defense. Aiding in that is corner Marlon Humphrey.
Humphrey is a physical and athletic beast. Tall and fast (Marlon was a high school track star in addition to his talents on the football field), he plays physical, man-defense where his size and strength aid him in shutting down the opposition.
As we know, the Chiefs love tall and athletic cornerbacks, and Humphrey fits the bill. His aggressiveness as well could lead to the tandem of Humphrey and Peters being interception machines.
The issue for Humphrey, and why I have him behind Jones, is that he can have issues locating the ball in the air. Perhaps because Alabama’s front seven is so dominant (they are again loaded with NFL talent), and because they consistently get such a good pass rush, Humphrey doesn’t have to cover for as long. It was an issue for Dre Kirkpatrick and was a career killer for Dee Milliner.
Humphrey’s draft slot could vary greatly depending on the team. He must show the ability to truly react in coverage, find and locate the football without creating penalties or giving up big plays. The ceiling is there for Humphrey, but it may take him a couple years for everything to come together for him.