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NFL Draft 2017: 5 candidates to win 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year

By Jerran Anderson

Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns number one pick defensive lineman Myles Garrett talks to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns number one pick defensive lineman Myles Garrett talks to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Marshon Lattimore (Ohio State) is selected as the number 11 overall pick to the New Orleans Saints in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Marshon Lattimore (Ohio State) is selected as the number 11 overall pick to the New Orleans Saints in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

15. . Cornerback. Ohio State. Marshon Lattimore. 3. player

Cornerback Marshon Lattimore was one of the best cornerbacks on the field for the Ohio State Buckeyes next to Gareon Conley last season. Lattimore needed just two seasons of college football to prove himself before making the leap to the NFL Draft.

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He was selected as the 11th overall pick by the New Orleans Saints, a team in desperate need of corner help. There’s a high possibility Lattimore can be a Week One starter.

Lattimore recorded 41 total tackles, nine pass breakups, four interceptions and an interception return for a touchdown. He was fifth in the Big Ten last season in interceptions. He ran a 4.36 40-yard dash, jumped 38.5 inches in the vertical and had a 132.0-inch broad jump at the NFL Combine, all top five for his position.

Lattimore has all the intangibles to be a good cornerback in an NFL secondary. He’s got raw talent with a lot of potential. Defensive Rookie of the Year will be his if he can make an instant impact in the Saints’ secondary, which he should, in 2017.

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