2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round
29. Packers: Marlon Humphrey, Cornerback
Top Needs: TE, IOL, OLB, CB
The Green Bay Packers just need to add bodies to their secondary in order to survive and get over the playoff hump. They were the 10th-worst team by Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play in 2016, so Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey should be high on their wish list in Round 1.
Humphrey is aggressive in both coverage and run defense, and looks to strip the ball -- almost a present day Charles Tillman. He also excels in zone coverage, though his man assignments often catch him tipping his hand. He’ll need help over top to win against deep balls, but his hip swivel to drop back and his range to cover ground and stop a receiver is impressive.
Humphrey stands 6’1” and 185 pounds, but his slight frame didn’t stop him from terrorizing opposing receivers. He averaged 40.5 tackles, 3.25 stuffs, 2.5 interceptions, and 6.5 passes defended over his two seasons as a starter. The one weakness is a propensity to give up deep yardage: 16.9 yards per target allowed over the last two years.
