Was Marlon Humphrey snubbed from All-rookie honors?

Yesterday, the Pro Football Writers of America released their votes for multiple Rookie honors. Ravens first-round draft pick, Marlon Humphrey, was not named. One Raven did receive All-Rookie team honors: fifth-round guard, Jermaine Eluemunor.

Marlon Humphrey played a good, if not great, rookie season. Many fans are already fully trusting him to cover dark-horse MVP candidate Antonio Brown. He matched up well against multiple star receivers, and bested them on more than half his allowed targets. But with such a good season, why wasn’t he listed beside Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore?

Tre’Davious White received the nod over Humphrey, and after looking over the stats, I understand why. But White isn’t a clear-cut favorite at first glance. Marlon’s numbers rival the Buffalo standout, and in many cases, best the Bills’ young star.

*Snap counts found on Pro Football Reference. All other stats from Pro Football Focus.

Humphrey:

596 defensive snaps, 54.53% of total defensive snaps, 69 targets, 32 catches, 411 yards , 0,TDs, 2 INTs, 7 pass defenses, 53.5 QB rating allowed. 82.7 grade (rank T-34th). Humphrey allowed 1.08 yards per coverage snap. Allowed a catch every 11.8 snaps.

White:

1093 defensive snaps, 98.65% of total defensive snaps, 80 targets, 39 catches, 601 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs, 12 pass defenses, 65.7 QB rating allowed. 92.0 grade (rank 3rd). White allowed 0.97 yards per coverage snap. Allowed a catch every 15.8 snaps.

Clearly, both players are deserving of the award; both produced impressive numbers. White played nearly every defensive down for the Buffalo Bills, and he only allowed 39 catches. Nearly 1,100 snaps his rookie season, and managed to swat 12 passes, and intercept four more.

On the other hand, Marlon battled through the defensiveback-filled roster of the Ravens, and played in nearly 600 snaps. He didn’t allow a touchdown while playing in all sixteen games, starting in five of them. He allowed a lower quarterback rating, fewer catches and fewer yards.

Yes, if Marlon plays in the equal amount of snaps, his numbers grow. He played only 55% of White’s snaps.

If we multiply, straight across the board, to equal Marlon’s snap count to Tre’Davious’ snap count, his numbers, obviously, inflate.

Humphrey (flat-line adjusted):

126 targets, 58 catches, 753 yards, 0 TD’s, 4 INTs, 13 passes defensed.

Only in touchdowns does Marlon win mathematically, but I highly doubt a corner allows 750 yards and not a single touchdown.

It’s not a fair adjustment to Humphrey, as a constant adjustment rate isn’t capable of determining an outcome in this sport, but the adjustment does demonstrate the impressiveness of Tre’Davious White’s season.

Both players perfomed well during their first year in the NFL, and the PFWA is right for voting White over Marlon. These two young men played well, but it’s wrong to not say White wins the stat contest. His season, when really understanding the numbers, proves it.

Regardless, both teams have an exciting young player on their respective rosters.