Just about everyone expects the Cowboys to take a pass rusher with the 28th overall pick. In this deep edge rusher class, Dallas should be able to land a true first round defensive end despite picking so late in the round.
There is a chance, however, that the Cowboys aren’t in love with any of the remaining pass rushers when they are on the clock. In that case, they will need to look elsewhere, preferably at the equally-as-deep cornerback class.
Alabama’s corner Marlon Humphrey could be a solid fit for the Cowboys scheme. In my draft work over at Slant Sports, I wrote up a scouting report on Humphrey, and was impressed with what he brings to the table.
The very first thing you notice when watching Humphrey is his size. Standing at 6’1″ and just under 200 pounds, Humphrey is a big, physical corner who loves to get into receiver’s bodies and hand fight.
Marlon Humphrey is great against these bubble screens and underneath routes. He is a very willing tackler, combining good technique with solid hitting power to bring down receivers and running backs. Humphrey is a long and strong player who excels in man-press coverage, using a trail-technique down the field.
He did play in zone coverage at times, and while his ball skills aren’t elite, he did flash the ability to make plays.
Humphrey’s ball skills aren’t great, but he can make plays at times. Here we see him sitting in the underneath zone until he sees the ball released. Once he reads the throw, he immediately breaks to the receiver and comes away with an interception. This play only furthers my recommendation that Humphrey moves to safety.
While Marlon Humphrey is an intriguing cornerback prospect, and someone I have a second round grade on, I actually think he should make his living playing safety. Humphrey does a great job of getting downhill and making plays. He is a reliable tackler, and someone who is at his best when the plays are kept in front of him.
Humphrey’s biggest struggles come when the ball is in the air. He tends to get too hands-y, and appears awkward when tracking the ball over his shoulder. These two factors will result in flags and big plays if they happen at the next level.
Regardless of any down-falls he may have, Marlon Humphrey would make a very solid defensive back in Dallas. He has the prototypical size the Cowboys look for in cornerbacks, and plays with a physicality that Rod Marinelli will love.
I still expect/hope Dallas goes with a defensive end in round one, but I wouldn’t be mad if they went with Humphrey instead.
