2017 NFL Rookie Projections: New Orleans Saints CB Marshon Lattimore

The New Orleans Saints selected cornerback Marshon Lattimore with the 11th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. In Part 11 of a 32-article series, a look at his projections as a rookie.

The New Orleans Saints have had major issues with their secondary as of late, and entered the 2017 offseason needing to add some talent. They attacked their secondary needs in the first two rounds of the draft by selecting former Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore and former Utah safety Marcus Williams.

Lattimore, a one-year starter in Columbus for the Buckeyes, was the first cornerback selected in the entire draft. He thrives in man coverage and has superb mechanics from the snap. His football I.Q. is high enough for him to make smart plays in zone coverage.

In his one year as a starter at Ohio State, Lattimore recorded four interceptions and 11 defended passes. He was often put out on an island with receiver in a one-on-one matchup, and more often than not, he won his coverage battles.

In drafting Lattimore, the Saints get a high floor prospect who’s ceiling is also fairly high. He’s proven his ability to thrive in coverage in his one year as a starter at the college level, and he has even more room to grow against the run and as a playmaker. He is likely a Day 1 starter on any team in the NFL, much like how Jalen Ramsey was praised as such at this time last year. For a team as needy in the secondary as New Orleans, it’s not even a question.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-training camp

Assuming Lattimore starts for the Saints out of the gate, I project him to intercept three passes and defend 10 in total. His skill-set should translate to the NFL relatively easily. And once he gets used to the speed of the NFL and opposing NFL receivers, Lattimore should be able to cement himself in to one of the better cornerbacks in the league.