[News] Late For Work 4/28: Grades, Reaction To Ravens' First-Round Pick Of Marlon Humphrey

[nj_ravens]

Things that I don't understand about everyone's comments:

1) Did everyone just forget that Jimmy has injury issues and that Carr is pretty old? I don't get the hate

2) So is everyone just really low on Judon and Zadarius? Everyone is freaking out about pass like we have nobody on the roster. Yes, we need to draft someone high. Yes, the Ravens missed out on a few guys just 3 spots ahead of us and tried to trade up. But it's not like we don't have people, like we haven't spent draft capitol on the position. I think Judon has a HUGE year. .

3) Only 2 of the top linemen went in the first round, both several picks after us. Everyone suggesting we should have reached at 16 to get a lineman is out of their mind. To everyone saying we should have traded back, we tried and failed, and that's just fine. Top 3 Centers, top guard, and another top tackle still on the board. Chill out.

4) WRs still available: Zay Jones, JuJu S-S, DeDe Westbrook, Kooper Cupp. If we took Howard we would have HAD to move him to TE

THE DRAFT ISN'T OVER YET. THERE IS STILL 6 ROUNDS. Jeez man. It's like people think there are only 32 players available to improve your team.

[TheGeneticBeastLobster]

I cant help but laugh at how he keeps being called "big" at 6'0" 197 lbs, and Tavon young was considered abnormally small to a red flag extent at 5'9" 180 lbs..it's 3 inches and less than 20 lbs lol I guess only 5'11" CBs that weigh about 190 lbs are considered "normal"

Actually yes...

[merryjman]

  32 minutes ago, 20306cab said:

Ozzie's had plenty of bad 1st round picks, especially lately. But this is the worst ever.

Playing against the Sqeelers 2 x a year with Antonio Brown, Martavius Bryant and Ladarius Green... means we need cover guys

The Bengals have AJ Green, John Ross, Tyler Boyd, Eifert, etc

The Browns have Corey Coleman, Possible Josh Gordon Back, Gary Barnridge, Kenny Britt and the 1st round TE out of Miami they just drafted.

We better be able to cover in our division and Ozzie and Company seems to recognize that adding Weddle and Tavon Young last season, Jefferson, Carr ad Humphrey this season.

Remember that this draft is deep and we still have time to add to the OL, WR corps and pass rushers.

Totally agree! The AFC North used to be considered a physical, ground and pound division. But now that some of the best receivers in the nation are in this division, the story has to change.

So - as you said - this was not only a need, but also a good response to the talent in our division and to the top tier AFC teams elsewhere.

Which means the all-important next step is to get more than one pass rusher in this draft!

[BlueHenToRaven]

48 minutes ago, b93333 said:

Humphrey was the lowest rated non-QB taken on day one. Clearly Ozzie had him rated a lot differently than everyone else. I hope for the sake of the Ravens it works out but it's hard to see how this was a good move given all the talent they passed on.

There were plenty of "draft guru's" who had him rated top 20. I think it was kiper that had him rated as the #2 corner and the number 14 player overall. Who exactly had him rated lower than the offensive linemen and the later picks?

[merryjman]

  1 hour ago, Flamengo1265 said:

If the Ravens didn't need 2 offense linemen, an edge rusher and a linebacker this would have been a good (not great) pick. But hey, at least he's from Alabama. You know what makes a secondary look good....a strong pass rush.

Yep. A strong pass rush. Good thing we got a great secondary since they are going to be running around all day long covering receivers while opposing QB's sit in a rocking chair waiting for someone to get open.

Yep - definitely the most important area to address now. With no pass rush, every QB in the league looks like a Pro Bowler against us.

[BlueHenToRaven]

Everyone seems to hate on this pick. I personally don't mind it. Don't get me wrong, I was really hoping for Foster, but who would you have rather taken? Top 3 graded WR were taken in the top 9 picks, so we couldn't address that need. Beings that Cam and Lamp are still on the board, they clearly weren't worth the 16 overall pick, especially since teams that need o-line help (giants, dolphins) passed on them. Heck even the Broncos took Bolles before these guys. Who's to say that they wont be on the board when we pick again (doubtful unfortunately, but still a chance) So, at 16, we didn't have a WR left, the o-line options weren't graded very high, for any team, we could have taken Taco or Tak but injury reasons and the fact that Tak was a one year wonder makes people hesitate. So now WR, O-line and and pass-rusher are off the board.

I feel the best options at this point are Foster, trade back to get more picks, or take best player available. And for those of you who didn't read the article, recently, the "draft gurus" have put Humphrey as the #2 corner on the board, behind only lattimore. That's high praise because talent wise, conley is really good, but clearly has off the field problems at the moment. And everyone complaining about this pick are the same people who complained that we didn't have depth last year when jimmy went down. Well, now we have depth, talented depth imo. And he won't be covering the all-pro recievers that everyone brings up by himself. Jimmy generally takes care of them and if not, we have safety help.

So, my question is, who would you have taken instead of Humprhey that deserved to be #16 and fills an area of need. The only name that comes to mind is Rueben Foster. Or trade back, pick up some picks and draft O-line or I really liked Watt in the mid to late 20's.

[J.O.14]

Humphrey was the lowest rated non-QB taken on day one. Clearly Ozzie had him rated a lot differently than everyone else. I hope for the sake of the Ravens it works out but it's hard to see how this was a good move given all the talent they passed on.

Where did you see this? He was the number 2 rated corner in this draft by many pundits. He was also considered one of the better corners in a very talented draft class of CBs. It's not like this guy is a bum. He was going to be picked in the first round.

[stixfix69]

The upside is he can be groomed, and not be expected to be our shutdown CB right away, always a luxury when players can be groomed and not thrown into the fire. For me ILBer is the position we need next, as Carl Davis, and Henry will be back after missing the season last year. also curious which Undrafted player we sign sticks out and makes the team....

[TheConquerorWorm]

Things that I don't understand about everyone's comments:

1) Did everyone just forget that Jimmy has injury issues and that Carr is pretty old? I don't get the hate

2) So is everyone just really low on Judon and Zadarius? Everyone is freaking out about pass like we have nobody on the roster. Yes, we need to draft someone high. Yes, the Ravens missed out on a few guys just 3 spots ahead of us and tried to trade up. But it's not like we don't have people, like we haven't spent draft capitol on the position. I think Judon has a HUGE year. .

3) Only 2 of the top linemen went in the first round, both several picks after us. Everyone suggesting we should have reached at 16 to get a lineman is out of their mind. To everyone saying we should have traded back, we tried and failed, and that's just fine. Top 3 Centers, top guard, and another top tackle still on the board. Chill out.

4) WRs still available: Zay Jones, JuJu S-S, DeDe Westbrook, Kooper Cupp. If we took Howard we would have HAD to move him to TE

THE DRAFT ISN'T OVER YET. THERE IS STILL 6 ROUNDS. Jeez man. It's like people think there are only 32 players available to improve your team.

Agree 100% especially on Judon. His game tape and college stats are better than any of the pass rushers in this draft (including Barnett). Only knock on Judon was he played against D2 competition. But he showed last year that those skills will play in the NFL.

Foster is Rolando McClain 2.0.

And Howard may be great, but at the end of the day, he's a Freakin TE. How many play-off games have the Bengals won with Eifert? How about the Skins with Jordan Reed? Howard could only dream he's as good as those guys.

[RavensBaltimore]

Our biggest problem in the secondary has been playing too far off the ball and giving up easy passes. We just got a big, physical corner who can play press and jam receivers at the line. That's exactly what we needed. It seems like we've had issues with screen passes and tackling in the secondary for a while, too, and Marlon should help with that as well. He has the size and speed to clean up his issues with deep passes and develop into a shutdown corner. That may take a year or two, but for now, I'd rather force teams to make yough, contested catches than let them play pitch and catch down the field like the Steelers did on the final drive on Christmas.

[J.O.14]

This fan base is crazy. I was surprised as well, but CB is a position you ALWAYS need. Adding Brandon Carr isn't really an upgrade to me. Hes a solid player, a stop gap, but doesn't make our secondary great. Adding Humphrey is a good pick. We complained about our secondary for years and now it looks great and we aren't happy? He might be our 4th CB THIS YEAR, but he definitely has potential to be a very good and possible shut down guy for us in the upcoming years.
We have 5 rounds to go and plenty of talent left. We can add a good pass rusher, WR, OL and whatever else we need in the rounds remaining. Stay calm. This was a good pick.

[RavensDieHard21]

1 hour ago, axisofeeble said:

PASS RUSH? Suggs is 34 going on 50. NO ELVIS...Can't "cover" all day.

Lmao pass rush is the deepest position this year along with CB. A lot of talented guys are left, such as Tim Williams, Lawson, Willis, Rivers, Walker, etc. Only person you could be legitimately mad about passing on would be Allen and his arthritic shoulders are a legitimate concern when your goal is to draft a first round guy that you think will be a pro bowl caliber player for two full contracts. 

[whobilly]

Don't know what to think at this point. There was very little drama for me as I was in Philly and they displayed his picture on the big screens even before they announced the pick. On another note, maybe this opens the door a little for Boldin coming back considering we have ONE legitimate WR on the roster in Mike Wallace.

[whobilly]

All the NO Grades tell me they just didn't want to give a Poor Grade.

[BiggMack91]

hope our next 3 picks go Pat Elflein,Dion Dawkins and Ben Boulware that would be an A+++ IMO I'm very happy we got MH we finally have depth in the secondary and anyone doubting Judon won't have a breakout year your crazy he will be starting opposite Suggs next year and he's going to get 10+ sacks next year just watch lets go ravens nation

[BiggMack91]

  2 hours ago, The Mom Gene said:

I'm with Law215.  I love this pick. With Jimmy, Tavon, Carr and now Humphrey??? We have a great set of CB's. Add in Weddle, Jefferson, Webby, WOW.  We've got a secondary this year.

PASS RUSH? Suggs is 34 going on 50. NO ELVIS...Can't "cover" all day.

Judon KC Smith + late round pick Judon will be a starter next year why do you think we let Doom go and it won't take more than 5 seconds to get to the qb with our D-line don't matter who we have if they can't pass or run how can they score lol

[Crusader]

No grade means their still in shock. I hope when he turns 21 on July 8th he does not go out and get arrested.

[law215]

The make a wish bit was AWESOME! I honestly forgot about the pick being made and wanted to hear more about the kids story. Good stuff for make a wish, the NFL, and the Ravens.

Loved his excitement reading the name.

[steelcityraven]

  2 hours ago, axisofeeble said:

  2 hours ago, The Mom Gene said:

I'm with Law215.  I love this pick. With Jimmy, Tavon, Carr and now Humphrey??? We have a great set of CB's. Add in Weddle, Jefferson, Webby, WOW.  We've got a secondary this year.

PASS RUSH? Suggs is 34 going on 50. NO ELVIS...Can't "cover" all day.

Judon KC Smith + late round pick Judon will be a starter next year why do you think we let Doom go and it won't take more than 5 seconds to get to the qb with our D-line don't matter who we have if they can't pass or run how can they score lol

Don't forget about Kafusi

[steelcityraven]

Round 2. (pass rushers) Tim WIlliams, Carl Lawson, Tyus Bowser
Round 3. (WR) Westbrook, JuJu, A. Dobrah, Josh Malone,
Round 3. (OL) Roderick Johnson, Antonio Garcia, Will Holden, Nico Siragusa
Round 4. (OL) Ethan Pocic, Zach Banner, Jermaine Eluemeunor
Round 5. (WR) KD Cannon, Isaiah Ford, Malachi Dupree, Speedy Knoll
Round 6. (ILB) Chase Allen, Ben Boulware, Hardy Nickerson

[Crusader]

Round 2. (pass rushers) Tim WIlliams, Carl Lawson, Tyus Bowser
Round 3. (WR) Westbrook, JuJu, A. Dobrah, Josh Malone,
Round 3. (OL) Roderick Johnson, Antonio Garcia, Will Holden, Nico Siragusa
Round 4. (OL) Ethan Pocic, Zach Banner, Jermaine Eluemeunor
Round 5. (WR) KD Cannon, Isaiah Ford, Malachi Dupree, Speedy Knoll
Round 6. (ILB) Chase Allen, Ben Boulware, Hardy Nickerson

Are any of them from Alabama? You know Ravens can't pick any of those "other" schools.

[ellicottraven]

This was a screw up in the first round. Make no mistake about it. All the post draft bluster is just that. The front office better make up for this today as they have 3 solid picks. If they mess this one up, they're are going to help get Harbs fired mid-season.

[The Mom Gene]

1 hour ago, BiggMack91 said:

Judon KC Smith + late round pick Judon will be a starter next year why do you think we let Doom go and it won't take more than 5 seconds to get to the qb with our D-line don't matter who we have if they can't pass or run how can they score lol

except I didn't say that....  must have been @axisofeeble

[Malik45168]

2 hours ago, 20306cab said:

Ozzie's had plenty of bad 1st round picks, especially lately. But this is the worst ever.

How are you about to say that and the man hasn't even played snap yet

 

[The Beak]

Ozzie's had plenty of bad 1st round picks, especially lately. But this is the worst ever.

That is the most ridiculous comment EVER, this kid is fast , tough, and good at man coverage, he may not be what YOU wanted , but to say he is the worst 1st round pick ever is just plain irresponsible. (or maybe your just trolling )

[mmcclend]

22 minutes ago, The Beak said:

That is the most ridiculous comment EVER, this kid is fast , tough, and good at man coverage, he may not be what YOU wanted , but to say he is the worst 1st round pick ever is just plain irresponsible. (or maybe your just trolling )

Yup this guy will be the biggest Humphrey fan in 2 years when he's starting smh. 

[JD08]

Ozzie's had plenty of bad 1st round picks, especially lately. But this is the worst ever.

Havent even seen the kid play, pump your brakes....would say the worst 1st rounder we had are between Michael Oher and Matt Elam

[deathclause]

First off, as John, Ozzie, and many other people being PAID to do what they do at the pro level have said many times, you can never have enough corners in the NFL.

I absolutely love this pick. Our secondary was a big reason why we lost many of the 8 games we lost last year. I've got nothing against Carr, but he can't keep up with John Ross and he can't 1 on 1 AJ Green, and that's just one team we will face this year with multiple wide out threats. He's also on the wrong side of 30. This is as much a pick for the future as it is for right now. And don't get me wrong, he will contribute in a BIG way this year too, not just in the future.

Also, for the people complaining about pass rush, have you not heard of coverage sacks? You can have the best pass rushers in the NFL but if the QB can get rid of the ball in less than 2 seconds because your coverage sucks, those pass rushers won't be get sacks.

And for those pounding the table for offense, just take a look at the Broncos, and Seahawks, and Texans. Their defenses have carried their offenses to super bowls, and the playoffs in the Texans case. And our offense honestly isn't THAT bad, certainly not as bad as the Texans were, and the Broncos the year they won. So take a chill pill, which leads me to my next point.

Lastly, we still have the rest of the draft to go. This draft is deep in many positions, we will fill more needs. And, there will be more veterans being released as the 2nd wave of free agency starts. By training camp comes, most, if not all of our holes will be filled. Be patient, and trust in the front office that has given us 2 super bowls in 21 years when there are teams that haven't even made it to the big game once, let alone won one in twice as long. In Ozzie (And DeCosta) we trust!

[Ravensfolyfe]

  4 hours ago, 20306cab said:

Ozzie's had plenty of bad 1st round picks, especially lately. But this is the worst ever.

Havent even seen the kid play, pump your brakes....would say the worst 1st rounder we had are between Michael Oher and Matt Elam

Matt Elam for sure

[deathclause]

  5 hours ago, ellicottraven said:

I don't think any amount of post draft rationale is going to make the 'pit in the stomach' feeling go away. Especailly not with Howard, Foster, Allen and even a Dalvin Cook, Charles Harris on the board. Heck even Cam Robinson would've been more palatable. First they've loaded up on the secondary and more importantly Marlon's tape watched by tons of pundits didn't make him a #16 pick. At best he was a player ranked in the mid 20s. So, why did we have to reach when we had bonafide consensus top 5-10 players on the board? That is the issue that gnawed at me all night. I've been a huge front office supporter but this pick stumped me in a negative way!
To top it off, Harbs had to bring up how good he was a special teams player so he could immediately contribute on special teams and could be eased into the starting role! No man a team with as many needs as we have doesn't need a dang special teams ace in the first round. Select one after the 5th round and please stay away from the draft room.

Have to agree with you. Listening to the press conference when Jerry Coleman asked Ozzie if he though Humphrey was a pro-bowler as O.J. Howard, who was still on the board certainly would be (that was Colemans assumption not mine), Ozzie responded with "he will come in and compete with the other 3 guys." When do you draft this early in the first round for someone who isn't good enough to start from day 1, straight up and has to compete. I just don't get it. Harbaugh says we are building a great defensive team. Hey John, the 1990's called and want their strategy back. The rules have changed to favor strong offenses and punish strong, hard-hitting defenses. I used to be a hard core Ozzie and Harbaugh defender but they are making it harder and harder every single draft to do so. Guess that explains missing the playoffs 3 of the last 4 years and the only reason we went in 2004 was because Kubiak was able to provide a STRONG offense. (See how that works guys). Wouldn't it be sweet if we could coax Kubiak out of retirement, that was the last time we had a taste of a good offense.

I just want to point out that a strong offense does not mean you will have success. Look at the Saints last year. They averaged somewhere close to 29 points a game, and they went 7-9. Why? Because their secondary got torched over and over and over. If we can have a top 3 pass defense and a top 15 offense, we'll be in the playoffs. And this pick gives us a great shot at being the best secondary, not just top 3.