2017 NFL Mock Draft: Jimmy Garoppolo Trade Impacts Early

Ohio State. Marshon Lattimore . 24. player. 28. Getting a true middle linebacker would be really nice for the Oakland Raiders defense, but the board isn’t falling that way for them. In the absence of that, they need to think about finding more help for their 24th ranked pass defense. The failure of D.J. Hayden means they might have to look at cornerback again. Sean Smith and David Amerson only affected a minor improvement on the secondary. That pass rush can’t reach its full potential until the coverage improves. <p>Marshon Lattimore is one of the quieter top prospects in this class. He was rock solid for Ohio State in 2016, making tackles and playing consistent, sound coverage. He has good ball skills, size and enough athleticism to play press-man. The question for him to answer is whether he has the raw speed required. That will come to pass during the predraft process. If he checks out, then this is a young corner who could be an instant help for the Silver and Black.</p>. CB