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FanSided Mock Draft: Ravens Select Marlon Humphrey

By Chris Schisler

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) reacts in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) reacts in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2017 FanSided Mock Draft of all mock drafts is here. Experts from each team’s FanSided blog came together for the best mock draft out there. In the mock draft, the Ravens selected Marlon Humphrey.

With the top three receivers off the board, I had to look for other prospects as I acted as the Ravens GM in the FanSided Mock Draft. Haason Reddick was off the board, as well. Instead of forcing a pick at one of the Ravens needs, I did what Ozzie Newsome would do. I took the best player available, and that was Marlon Humphrey.

Humphrey is a cornerback from Alabama. He leads this draft class in toughness and he is in my estimation the second best cornerback in the draft. Humphrey is going to make a living in the NFL because he never backs down to a wide receiver. He has great cover skills. While he is impressive in man coverage, he is shockingly good at zone coverage as well.

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In two years with the Crimson Tide, he had 13 passes defended, five interceptions and three forced fumbles. He also had an impressive 81 total tackles. Humphrey is a cornerback who hits like a strong safety and he will do his part against running plays. He has great instincts and is a really good athlete.

The Ravens do have more pressing needs than cornerback. The wide receiver position is in desperate need. The offensive line needs to be patched up and the pass rushing department could use some improvements. More than anything though, the Ravens need to pick a great player. That’s what Humphrey is.

The Bottom Line

Cornerback is a very justifiable pick. Brandon Carr is not a long-term solution at cornerback and Humphrey may outshine him any way. Jimmy Smith is injury prone and the Ravens have to play Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr, Matthew Stafford and don’t forget they face Ben Roethlisberger twice. The Ravens can use every bit of help in the secondary they can get.

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This really boils down to picking the best player available. Humphrey ranks tenth on the Ebony Bird Big Board. Of the options that remained in this mock draft, Humphrey was the most sure thing there was. The Ravens have four picks in the top 78. Their other needs can still be met. Humphrey is a pick that would behoove the purple and black for years to come.

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