The Baltimore Ravens used their 2017 first-round pick on former Alabama DB Marlon Humphrey, and it sounds like it’s paying off.

As the Ravens prepare for the 2018 season, they’ll need Humphrey to step up and fill an even bigger role for the defense.

According to secondary coach Chris Hewitt, Humphrey has learned a lot from the veterans on the team and has the sort of talent that is needed to become a top defensive back in the NFL:

“Him just growing as a pro,” he said. “It’s a great thing for him in a situation that we’re in right now with Jimmy [Smith], Brandon Carr and Eric Weddle. He’s being able to learn from those guys – knowing how to practice, knowing how to prepare. Those are the things that he’s made the biggest jump in. And just being able to settle down and go play football. He’s still a young guy, still learning. One thing that I can say about him is he’s got every attribute that you need to be a top corner in this league. I don’t expect anything less from him but to be a top corner.”

Humphrey played in all 16 games last season, starting five. He recorded 30 tackles and two interceptions.

If he can improve on those numbers in 2018, he may start to live up to the potential his coaches think he has.