Marshon Lattimore Scouting Report: The Next Great Ohio State DB

Written by Christian Lysek
Ohio State can make a strong case that it is the defensive back university. With players like Vonn Bell, Eli Apple, Bradley Roby, and Malcolm Jenkins all playing big roles in the NFL, Ohio State has been churning out starter-quality defensive backs. This year will be no exception. In fact, three of Ohio State's defensive backs could go in the first round. Arguably the best of those players is corner Marshon Lattimore, who locked down many of the B1Gs best receivers. Here's why he may be the best:

Measurables: 
Height- 6'
Weight- 192 lbs
Year:
Junior (21)
2016 stat line:
41 tackles (30 solo), 1 TFL, 4 INT, 1 Pick-Six, 9 PDS

Pros: Marshon Lattimore is a stud in coverage. He has the instincts and breakdown speed to play zone coverage, and he has the strength and quickness to play man coverage. He has excellent speed. He mirrors the receivers routes and has excellent recovery speed when somebody is in front of him. He has top-notch ball skills as well. Lattimore isn't dropping picks. Lattimore is also a decent and willing tackler who can wrap up bigger guys. On top of all that, Lattimore's height, weight, and length are exactly what defensive coordinators want in the NFL.

Cons: While Lattimore is decent at tackling, he sometimes uses poor technique that won't hold up in the pros. He needs to get better at consistently keeping his head up while hitting. Lattimore also needs to do a better job of knocking receivers off of their timing and routes and the line of scrimmage. His initial punch needs to be stronger for when he faces big receivers like Alshon Jeffrey and Larry Fitzgerald.

Pro Comparison: Janoris Jenkins, CB, New York Giants
Janoris Jenkins went from a big play or burned corner to a lockdown guy last season. While he is shorter than Lattimore, he has the speed and ball skills to be just as dangerous. I expect Lattimore to be a pro bowler just like Jenkins.

3 teams that could use him: The Titans need to enhance both the corner and safety spots, and they would be more than happy to take the best corner in the draft with the 5th pick. The Jets pick next and need to replace old man Darrell Revis with young talent, so Lattimore makes sense. The Eagles have a huge hole at corner and in a division packed with wide receiver talent, they need a lockdown man like Lattimore to win.

Conclusion: Marshon Lattimore is the top corner in the draft because of his size and coverage skills. He may struggle against the run, but that won't prevent him from being a top-15 pick.

All stats from www.sports-reference.com