Making the case for Jets to draft Marshon Lattimore

The New York Jets have a big void to fill in their defensive secondary, especially at cornerback. It’s imperative they select cornerback Marshon Lattimore with their No. 6 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

With the 2017 NFL Draft on the horizon, the New York Jets at this point in time need all the help they can get, especially in their defensive secondary. Last season, their defensive secondary got torched by literally almost every quarterback they faced. Even mediocre quarterbacks dropped a few hundred yards against a lackluster unit that had no aggression, pride, or any sense of execution.

That’s why it’s imperative the Jets use this golden opportunity with their No. 6 overall pick in this year’s draft and take one of the top cornerbacks available. That’s right, cornerback Marshon Lattimore out of Ohio State would be exactly what the Jets need and much more in the grand scheme of things.

In my latest mock draft, it was an easy decision to have the Jets take Lattimore with their first round pick. Not only would he fill the void left by cornerback Darrelle Revis but he’d start the process of finally having a true shutdown option to contain premier receiving threats. At 6’0″ and 193lbs., Lattimore made a name for himself on the Buckeyes in just a single year as his high football IQ and defensive instincts made him a popular defensive back.

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Last season, Lattimore totaled 41 tackles, four interceptions, and even had one returned for a touchdown. Lattimore has star potential to be the next big defensive cornerstone on the Jets and while there are concerns with his hamstring issues, is still worth the investment despite such a small sample size.

Make no mistake about it, Lattimore will be a force to reckon with on the Jets for years to come. He brings a strong work ethic and relentless aggression in working hard to be on top of his game. Put him in any man-to-man situations and Lattimore will excel beyond belief. Since the Jets are rebuilding anyway towards a youth movement, Lattimore would bring them a young stud capable of taking the NFL by storm.

Overall, the Jets need to once again go defense in the first round of this year’s draft. Not only would Lattimore address a need right off the bat but would be a nice infusion of raw talent that will make those around him even better. His coverage skills are fantastic as he will do whatever it takes to succeed. The Jets need more players like him in their locker room to bring back that fire on defense.