Anyone that has watched the NFL over the past few seasons knows that former Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore is a pretty special player. He’s already taken home the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017, and has also been a four-time Pro-Bowler (2017, 2019-2021).
But some would say it means even more when those inside the game recognize the greatness of a player. After all, they are the ones that are closest to the game. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has been releasing position rankings (subscription required) in the NFL, as voted on by league executives, coaches, scouts, and players, and they all just added a significant stamp of approval for Lattimore.
The results of the poll didn’t elevate the Saints’ No. 1 cornerback to the top spot, but it did have him come in just behind Jalen Ramsey at No. 2 on the list.
Fowler shared the following from those conversations:
“He can really do it all,” said an AFC exec who voted Lattimore No. 1 overall. Fifteen of Lattimore’s pass deflections came in man coverage, which he plays a lot. He was known early in his career for getting up for matchups with top receivers and playing down to lesser talent, but some voters believed he improved his consistency last year.
“He got back closer to what he looked like [in his] first couple of years in the league,” an NFC defensive coach said. “Hit a turning point in the season where he was really at his best and it showed up. Physical and competitive, strong as hell.”
Added an AFC defensive coach: “He’s a guy you can ask to take away a top guy and he does it. One of the few players who can do that.”
Rember, there are a ton of good cover guys in the league. For Lattimore to be ranked second means he is ahead of guys like Denzel Ward (another Buckeye) of the Cleveland Browns, A.J. Terrell of the Atlanta Falcons, and Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers.
That’s some rare company, and it’s well deserved for a Buckeye great.
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