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Ravens Select Marlon Humphrey: Instant Reaction

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 Baltimore Ravens selected Marlon Humphrey with the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. This was a great value pick:

There should be a ton of happy Baltimore Ravens fans right now, as Marlon Humphrey is the newest Baltimore Raven. Humphrey is a physical cornerback that fits the mold of the Ravens. This takes me back to the days of Chris McAlister. That’s the the archetype that Humphrey falls into.

The Ravens biggest needs were ignored with this pick, but that’s okay. Corey Davis, Mike Williams and John Ross all went in the top 10. It’s hard to fault the Ravens for not getting their wide receiver. Pass rusher was a big need as well, but the Ravens went with a great player at a great value. In other words Ozzie Newsome went with the standard operating procedure.

Must Read: Ebony Bird Big Board: Prospects 26-50

The Ravens continue to add to the secondary. In the past two seasons Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson have been added. Brandon Carr was another great addition, but now he might be the Ravens third best corner. Humphrey is going to be a starting cornerback for a long time. With two games against Ben Roethlisberger, and battles with Derek Carr, Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford on the schedule, it’s hard to argue with the pick.

The pick comes as a bit of a surprise. Few thought the Ravens would pass on Reuben Foster. In the end they went with another Alabama defender. I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but I picked Humphrey as the Ravens pick in the FanSided Mock Draft. Humphrey’s teammate Jonathan Allen would have also been an option for the Ravens; he was taken a pick later by Washington.

Next: A Look At Every Pick The Ravens Have To Make

Bottom Line:

The Ravens stayed put and took a player that fits perfectly into the Ravens way of life. He is tough, physical and dominant. The Ravens kind of went according to my plan A-C for the draft. They had options and they chose value. Humphrey is the tenth best player on the Ebony Bird Big Board. The bottom line is that given the situation, this is a fantastic pick.

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