Alabama Football: Predicting A New Alabama NFL Draft Record

Marlon Humphrey

There is an old debate over which position creates the toughest transition for a college player becoming a professional. Most NFL fans contend that playing quarterback is the greatest challenge for NFL rookies. Others argue the most demanding obstacle for an NFL rookie is playing cornerback.

We concur with the second group. Most rookie QB’s are given a season or two to learn NFL systems and hone their skills before being fully tested. Cornerbacks are rarely afforded that buffer time for development as a pro.

NFL cornerback Eric Davis described the difference between college and NFL quarterbacks. For a NFL starting QB, no window of coverage is too tight to deny a completion nj.com.

"“Your receiver is always open … Running back, linebackers, d-linemen, offensive linemen, you’re in the bike lane, man. You’re in the pedestrian lane. You get outside the numbers, that’s the Autobahn. High-speed collisions, and there’s a fatality in every one of them.”"

Despite Marlon’s NFL pedigree and his physical gift of speed, his game has weaknesses. Alabama fans will remember that for all Marlon’s strengths, he could get beaten, particularly on long balls.

Some NFL scouts are concerned Marlon depends too much on his athletic ability and may need time to hone coverage skills.

Mike Mayock rates Marlon as the No. 3 cornerback in the draft. Marlon is a tough, physical player. Having been developed by Alabama football and Nick Saban is a big advantage. Humphrey’s skills and Saban’s reputation with NFL teams should be enough to make Marlon a first-round pick.