2017 NFL Mock Draft: Can we trust the Cleveland Browns?
By John Buhler
Marlon Humphrey
Cornerback, Alabama Crimson Tide
If Derek Carr has his health, the Oakland Raiders could be the biggest threat in the AFC to the New England Patriots to get to Super Bowl LII. He brings this charismatic on-field leadership style that has galvanized this once laughable AFC West team.
That being said, Oakland needs to figure things out in the secondary fast. Second-year safety Karl Joseph could take a big step forward in year two. However, the D.J. Hayden pick didn’t pan out. Look for the Raiders to target a cornerback at No. 24.
The guy that makes sense here is Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Marlon Humphrey. While he did skip out on his last two years of eligibility in Tuscaloosa, that could be beneficial to him professionally. He won’t have the wear and tear associated with spending for years competing in Nick Saban’s SEC powerhouse.
This is a loaded secondary draft class, so the Raiders could go with several secondary players at No. 24. Humphrey projects as a strong cover guy that can thrive out on an island. He feels like a Raider anywhere, so let’s get him in the Silver and Black.