Jets need to draft Marshon Lattimore

The New York Jets come into the 2017 NFL Draft with many holes to fill.  They need to fix their offensive line and they need a tight end, but most especially they need to fix the back end of their defense.

Going into the 2017 NFL Draft, the New York Jets need to focus on safety and cornerback in the first round.  The best cornerback is without question, Marshon Lattimore.

Some people want the Jets to focus on their pass rush, and some would like them to draft a franchise quarterback. The Jets have always been a defensive-oriented team, and when their defense plays well, so does the rest of the team.

In 2016, the Jets had the third-fewest sack total (27) in team history since 1982 (when sacks became an official stat). It was also only the tenth time in 35 seasons that they recorded fewer than 30 sacks. The question is: Why?

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets should target TE Hunter Henry in free agency
• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

If you want to compare it to 2015, there are a lot of differences. First of all, they had 38 sacks, which was 12th highest in franchise history. They also only allowed 57% completions, 25 touchdowns, and had 18 interceptions. In 2016, they allowed 64% completions, 30 touchdowns and only had eight interceptions.

If receivers are getting open, there’s not enough time to get to the quarterback. So, the Jets need a true cover corner.

That where Lattimore comes in. He was targeted 35 times in 2016, and he had 14 passes defended and four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown).

It not just his pass defense skills, though. What sets him apart is tackling. He will make sure screens and run plays don’t go for many yards, and he’s a sure tackler.

MUST READ: A look at the running back situation of the Jets

Lattimore has the ability to cut off half the field like another player who is currently on the roster and used to do the same.  If the Jets draft him, we might have a new island in New York.