Seahawks Draft Target: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

If this is the year that the Seattle Seahawks draft a cornerback early in the draft, they should definitely consider selecting Alabama’s Marlon Humphrey.

Marlon Humphrey is an ideal CB for the Seattle Seahawks. He checks off every single box required to be great in Seattle’s defense. He’s long; he’s very fast; he’s got tremendous ball skills; he’s physical; and he’s got great instincts when in zone coverage.

Humphrey is a perfect scheme-fit for Seattle, but for other teams he’ll be a square peg in a round hole. His speed is more of the straight-line variety. He lacks the short-area quickness required to cover the league’s quicker receivers in man-coverage. This is why Humphrey could still be on the board when Seattle picks near the end of the first round.

None of that will matter if he ends up with Seattle where they mostly play Cover-3. He has the range to take away his third of the field, and do so without extensive help from Earl Thomas.

If all of this sounds familiar, it is because it would have described Byron Maxwell when he was starting at LCB for the Seahawks. Their games are similar, though I believe that Humphrey offers a slightly higher ceiling. He could easily develop into a guy that could make multiple Pro Bowls.

Game tape vs. Texas A&M:

His press technique will have to change if he is drafted by the Seahawks. His current technique is a sloppy form of soft-shoeing. He’ll have to master the kick-step technique that the Seahawks require before he’ll be ready for extensive playing time with the Seahawks. That is completely expected though; the kick-step technique isn’t taught at the college level.

Next: A Mock Draft with Humphrey headed to Seattle

Let me put it this way: The Seahawks likely won’t select Humphrey. They never take a CB that early. But when they pass on him I’m going to be disappointed. They may never have a chance to grab a guy so perfectly suited for what they do on defense.