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Previewing 2017 cornerback draft class: Marlon Humphrey

The Alabama cornerback is topping many lists but could see a slide come April.

NCAA Football: Alabama vs Southern California Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey is topping many lists at his position but could see a slide come next April.

What he does best

Marlon Humphrey stands tall at 6'1”, 200 lbs. Given his size, his length is his best attribute and combined with athleticism, he is at his best playing trail technique from press coverage or Cover 3 zone. This interception against Georgia in their 2015 matchup (2:23 of this video) shows his qualities.

Though he does not backpedal, he stays patient and successfully leverages the receiver to the sidelines. The rest is child's play. He snags down a lofted ball with ease.

Where he struggles

Marlon Humphrey is a coverage artist. He s always in good position. However, that is only half of the battle. He can at times struggle to find the ball when nine routes are thrown, which leaves him susceptible to giving up big plays. As a cornerback, this area of the game is probably the most important, which is why Humphrey, who is the best cornerback in college at the moment, could see a late slide to the mid to late teens come April.

Upcoming matchup

On October 22nd, Humphrey will match up with Texas A&M's Josh Reynolds. Reynolds has the speed and the size to present the back-shoulder and downfield threat that could trouble Humphrey. By passing the test, the Alabama cornerback could answer the most important of questions.

Does he fit with the Ravens?

We know Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome loves Alabama prospect. However, Humphrey being vulnerable to big plays and not being taught back peddling could hurt his fit in Dean Pees' defense. If he were to be drafted, he would be unlikely to be an immediate starter.