NFL Draft 2017: Kansas City Chiefs are best fit for Marlon Humphrey
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs have been identified as an ideal home in the NFL Draft for Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
The latest column from ESPN analyst and former NFL defensive back Matt Bowen breaks down the Alabama Crimson Tide’s defensive unit as they enter the NFL, and the Kansas City Chiefs have been called the ideal home for one of their talented players: cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
Humphrey, the son of former NFL RB Bobby Humphrey, is a two-year starter for the Crimson Tide who had 36 total tackles and 2 interceptions last season, including 1 for a touchdown. He had 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles in 2015. Bowen also likes his game and writes:
"With long arms (32¼ inches), an ideal frame (6-foot, 197 pounds) and elite speed (4.41 40), Humphrey thrives when playing press-man coverage. This cat competes at the line against bigger wide receivers, and he also shows great awareness when playing zone … He showed his physicality in the run game against A&M, too, blowing up multiple WR screens. He’s just too physical, too strong to be blocked on a consistent basis."
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The Chiefs and Seahawks are both listed as best fits for Humphrey and it’s not a surprise considering the toughness of both units, including Kam Chancellor and Eric Berry and corners like Marcus Peters and Richard Sherman. Adding Humphrey would continue to add toughness to these already physical secondary units.
For the Chiefs, Humphrey would immediately be placed in competition for the starting outside slot opposite Peters along with Phillip Gaines and maybe Steven Nelson, although Nelson’s size and experience plays well in the slot. Another physical young cornerback would give the Chiefs several promising players to place into their nickel and dime packages, making it tough for offenses to create mismatches with so many quality defensive backs on the field at the same time.
Todd McShay has Marlon Humphrey as an early second round pick to the Chicago Bears in his latest mock draft, so the Chiefs might have to strike in the first round at No. 27 overall if they want to grab Humphrey. Otherwise, he might not be there when they pick again on Day 2.