When you think of the great Alabama defensive backs, names like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Trevon Diggs and Patrick Surtain come to mind. Yet, it often feels like [autotag]Marlon Humphrey[/autotag] doesn’t receive that same recognition despite being arguably the best of the group. Humphrey was a two-year starter for the Tide leaving after his junior year and was ultimately selected No. 16 overall in the 2017 NFL draft.
Since arriving in the NFL, Humphrey has been the staple of the Ravens defense which is almost always at the top of the NFL ranks. Part of it might be the flash of Lamar Jackson, or the great coaching of John Harbaugh, but Humphrey flies under the radar as potentially being the best defensive back in the NFL. Now, before you call this an unreasonably bold take, here are some of his numbers.
Since 2019, Humphrey has started 59 of 60 games for the Ravens, and we all know that availability is the best ability in professional sports. Outside of a torn pectoral muscle in December 2021 that ended his season, he has been one of the most reliable players in the NFL.
In that four-year span, Humphrey had 276 total tackles, broke up 45 passes, snagged eight interceptions and even led the NFL in forced fumbles in 2020 with eight. He’s been named a three-time Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro in 2019 for his efforts, quietly a very impressive resume for the 26-year-old star.
However, 2022 might have been his most impressive season as he was in coverage for 664 snaps and allowed zero touchdowns, the most snaps of any player without surrendering a score. With Lamar under a new deal and a better roster in place for Baltimore, expect the Ravens and Humphrey to be one of the scariest teams in the AFC this season.
The most coverage snaps without allowing a TD last season
Marlon Humphrey đź”’ pic.twitter.com/8S9fkQsfKv
— PFF (@PFF) May 18, 2023
[lawrence-auto-related count=1]
[lawrence-auto-related count=1]
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.