Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Considered by many NFL Draft pundits as the best cornerback in a loaded cornerback class, the one-year starting cornerback and Red-shirt Sophomore out of Ohio State displayed uber athleticism and refined technique as one of the star defenders on a top Ohio State secondary in 2016.

Viewed by many as “one of the best secondary classes in the past decade,” the NFL 2017 draft class boasts many highly touted cornerback and safety prospects that include three Buckeyes that could go in the first round.

Gareon Conley was the other starting cornerback at Ohio State that could be selected mid to late 1st round, and Malik Hooker will most likely be chosen within the top 15 picks as the top free safety in this class.

However, Marshon Lattimore will probably be selected before both of these prospects because of his upside and shut down cornerback potential he possesses and showed during his starts in 2016.

Lattimore separated himself at the NFL Scouting Combine with a great testing. While his injury history with hamstrings and experience as a red-shirt sophomore does worry some teams, he should not be passed on because of them.

For me, Marshon Lattimore is the top cornerback and should not get out of the first six selections in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Measurables:

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 193 lbs.

Arm Length: 31 1/4″

Hand Size: 8 7/8″

Stats via Sports Reference.com:

		Tackles	Def Int	Fumbles
Year	School	Conf	Class	Pos	G	Solo	Ast	Tot	Loss	Sk	Int	Yds	Avg	TD	PD	FR	Yds	TD	FF
*2015	Ohio State	Big Ten	FR	CB	3	4	0	4	0.0	0.0	0	0		0	2	0			0
2016	Ohio State	Big Ten	SO	CB	13	30	11	41	1.0	0.0	4	61	15.3	1	9	0			0
Career	Ohio State					34	11	45	1.0	0.0	4	61	15.3	1	11	0			0

Combine Results:

40 Yard Dash: 4.36 Sec (#3 Top Performer)

Vertical Jump: 38.5 Inch (Tied #3 Top Performer)

Broad Jump: 132.0 Inch= 11 Foot (Tied #2 Top Performer)

Marshon Lattimore did not participate in the other drills as he injured his hip flexor during his 40-yd dash but particpated in the drills during the Ohio State Pro Day.

Strengths

Marshon Lattimore is the best cornerback in this class by far for a few reasons. Lattimore showed at the combine and on film that he is athletic enough with his height and speed to cover any receiver in the NFL. Posting top 3 numbers for multiple testing drills a cornerback at the combine is no small feat. He also excels in multiple coverages (man, zone, and press) and is a technician in man coverage especially.

GIF /

In this play against Penn State; Marshon Lattimore displays his quick feet, smooth hip transition, speed/ acceleration, and physicality when he has his hands on the receiver and jumps up to make a play on the ball. These traits show that Lattimore has the potential to be an elite corner in the NFL in a few years.

GIF /

In this play against Oklahoma, Marshon Lattimore highlights his recovery speed and ball skills. The receiver has the initial step ahead of Lattimore, but Lattimore has the acceleration to get in front of the receiver and makes a play on the ball. Lattimore was not beat much in coverage at Ohio State in 2016 but can make a play even if the receiver has an advantage on him initially.

GIF /

In this play against Michigan, Marshon Lattimore blitzes the edge on a run play and stuffs the running back for a loss of yards. As a run defender, Lattimore is not great, but he flashed some nice plays as a run supporter and a tackler. Lattimore was also used for cornerback blitzes and was a part of special teams.

Weaknesses

The biggest issue with Marshon Lattimore is his injury history with his hamstrings. His career was derailed with this issue that he had surgery that made him miss a whole year in 2014. Then it came back the year after that after playing seven games and could not finish the 2015 season. Teams will be worried about it, but otherwise, he is a top 5 talent at cornerback in this draft.

Lattimore does not have the best form of tackling, but that can be refined in the NFL to be an every down starter for a team as a cornerback.

While Lattimore is great in coverage, press coverage and jamming receivers are things he should work on to slow the faster and bigger receivers in the NFL.

Also, he does not have the experience as a 1-year starter at Ohio State in 2016. He also had a lot of secondary and defensive talent around him.

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) celebrates after making an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions win 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Team Fits: San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans, New York Jets

NFL Player Comparison: Darius Slay, CB, Detroit Lions

Coming out of Mississippi State, Darius Slay was 6’0″ 196 lbs., similar to Lattimore’s height and weight now. Slay was selected in the 2nd round in the 2013 NFL Draft to the Detroit Lions. Lattimore has more talent coming out of Ohio State and is a top 5 player in this draft. Therefore, I am comparing him to the Darius Slay currently that is in the NFL now.

Slay has been a solid #1 cornerback for the Lions and earned an extension in 2016 that is a 4-year, $50.2 million contract extension with $23 million guaranteed. Both excel in many coverages but man coverage especially. Wherever Lattimore is drafted, he will be their #1 cornerback from day one in the league as a rookie. Lattimore has the potential to be a top cornerback in the league in a few years.

Next: NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board

Conclusion

Marshon Lattimore is a top 6 pick in this draft. If he falls out of the top 10, a team will be getting a steal in this draft by taking the best cornerback in this class. Lattimore is visiting the Browns, 49ers, Bears, Jaguars, and Titans (all in the top 5).

In conclusion, Marshon Lattimore is a solid starting cornerback prospect teams should not pass up due to injuries. Lattimore has tremendous talent and all the traits to make an impact as a starting cornerback from day one as a rookie.

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