:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53599911/usa_today_9923060.0.jpg)
NFL free agency is just about to kick off but it's never too early to look ahead to the 2017 NFL Draft (only 50 days away!). According to a report from NFL.com’s Chase Goodbread, the Eagles are set to host Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey on an official pre-draft visit in Philadelphia.
Leading up to NFL Draft each year, teams are allowed to bring in 30 prospects for official visits. These visits don’t always guarantee the team is actually interested in the player. Howie Roseman once admitted to using some of the visits as a smokescreen. Chip Kelly, however, never really used visits as a misdirection. The Eagles almost exclusively drafted players who came in for visits under him.
The 20-year-old Humphrey has been connected to the Eagles at No. 14 in mock drafts. Here’s some basic info on him.
The 20-year-old Humphrey measures in at 6-1, 198 pounds. In his two years at Alabama, Humphrey recorded 81 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, 13 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown. Not bad for a redshirt sophomore.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Eagles draft a corner in the first round. This year’s draft class is loaded with talent at the position. Philadelphia desperately needs to draft and develop some young guys there after failing to do so for forever now.
For more on Humphrey, here’s an NFL.com scouting report on him.
Talented height-weight-speed prospect who comes from NFL bloodlines. Might need time for his technique to catch up with his traits. Coverage inconsistencies could cause him to struggle against quality competition early on, but his mental makeup and recovery talent should help him pull through. Has the instincts and run-support skills to become an early starter for a zone-cover defense, but it will be hard for teams looking for a lockdown, man corner to pass on all of those physical gifts early in the draft.
Pro Football Focus is very high on Humphrey, for what it’s worth. You can find Humphrey’s individual game film on Draft Breakdown.
Spider graph season is back! Here's a look at how Humphrey tested at the 2017 NFL Combine. Note his closest NFL comparison is ... Curtis Marsh ... oh.