New Orleans Saints: Ranking Marshon Lattimore vs. NFC South rookies
When the New Orleans Saints drafted Marshon Lattimore, they filled a huge need, but so did other NFC South teams. Where does the corner rank among them?
The 2017 NFL Draft was poised to be defensively heavy. With the first few picks, that idea was erased. Obviously, Myles Garrett was first overall selection, but teams went heavy on offense, including the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons went defense, but how do the Saints pick, Marshon Lattimore, rank against his divisional peers?
First to pick from the NFC South was the Carolina Panthers. With the eighth overall pick, they selected running back Christian McCaffrey. It was a sexy pick, for sure, but didn’t really address a need for the Panthers. His impact will be immediate, though, but maybe not as a traditional running back. He’s a great punt returner and receiver out of the backfield, so it’s easy to see why he was picked.
McCaffrey comes in third against the other NFC South rookies. He’s talented, but without knowing how the Panthers will utilize him, it’s unclear where he stands. Currently, he’s not attending OTAs because Stanford has yet to take finals, keeping him out for now. It’s unfortunate for both parties involved but could set McCaffrey back. With uncertainty surrounding him, I’m not completely sold on McCaffrey.
With the 11th overall pick, the Saints selected Lattimore. It was surprising for fans and the Saints alike with Lattimore slipping. A product of Ohio State, Lattimore was the top cornerback in the draft and filled a huge need for the Saints. With many holes on their defense, he will make a huge impact and if he can repeat a four-interception season, bring their defense some stability.
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I see Lattimore as the second best in the NFC South class. As talented as he is, he’ll have a lot of work to do. The Saints defense gave up some key plays last year and Lattimore needs to be part of that change. It’s a lot to put on a rookie’s shoulders, but he’ll definitely beef up their roster and hopefully, make their 7-9 season trend vanish.
The Bucs picked 19th and decided on tight end, O.J. Howard. Howard filled a need for the team and a weapon for Winston. Coming out of Alabama, Howard finished his senior year with 545 yards and three touchdowns. He was consistent for Roll Tide but never seemed to break out as predicted.
Howard ranks last in my NFC South rookies. As much as I want to believe in him, the Bucs have a lot of great receivers for Winston. It seems like Howard will get lost in the shuffle and won’t make an immediate impact. I’m thinking he might not see much playing time this season, but maybe the Bucs have a plan. Either way, Howard probably won’t make as big an impact as the other NFC South rookies.
Wrapping up the NFC South picks was the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons selected edge rusher Takkarist McKinley. During his time at UCLA, McKinley finished with 61 combined tackles, six passes defended and 18 tackles for loss. McKinley is joining a hugely talented roster and one who needs help at edge rusher, making his impact almost immediate.
McKinley obviously ranks first with NFC South rookies. He’s joining a team who will utilize him immediately and make an already talented defense better. He’s also a highly competitive and passionate player, looking to take the NFC South by storm.
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It was really a toss-up between McKinley and Lattimore, but McKinley edged him out because of the talent surrounding him. Only time will tell who truly is the best NFC South first-round rookie but I’m sticking with defense.