Former standout Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore was drafted at No. 11 overall in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
How did Lattimore do at the combine?
Things were going very well for Lattimore at the combine, until they weren’t. He seemed to be wrapping up the four-day event well after posting an impressive number in the 40-yard dash. His official 4.36 seconds was good enough for the fifth best overall, and third amongst defensive backs.
He also turned in a strong vertical (38.5”) and broad jump (11’0), which ranked tied for fifth and third amongst DBs respectively.
Unfortunately for the 6’0, 192-pound corner from Cleveland Glenville High School, on his second 40 attempt, he came up a little lame. With a history of hamstring injuries, many assumed that was the cause of his discomfort. In fact, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported as much.
However, despite the speculation, Lattimore maintained that the injury was actually to his hip flexor, and that he was fine. Only time will tell if his new team has cause for concern.
How good was Lattimore in college?
Like many recent Ohio State defensive backs, it took a little bit of time for Lattimore to see the field, but when he did he made his impact felt. After surgery on his chronically injured hamstrings cut short his first season of playing time, Lattimore proved to be a force once finally healthy.
An incredible athlete, Lattimore recorded four interceptions during his redshirt sophomore season, in addition to nine pass breakups and 41 tackles. A first-team all-Big Ten member, Lattimore showed incredible footwork and technique that only complimented his electric speed.
In just 35 targets during the 2016 season, Lattimore recorded 13 passes defended, the most on the team.