New York Jets Select Marshon Lattimore in Recent 2017 NFL Mock Draft
By Nick Ziegler
Todd McShay of ESPN recently released his second NFL Mock Draft. Who did he have the New York Jets taking in the first round?
It was a poor season for the New York Jets in 2016. With one of the worst records in the NFL, there were issues on both sides of the ball for the Jets.
On offense, the Jets were hurt by a banged up offensive line, and also little production from the quarterback position. On defense, the Jets were one of the worst teams at defending the pass in the NFL.
With one of the positions of need for the Jets being a cornerback, Todd McShay has them selecting Marshon Lattimore from Ohio State with the sixth overall pick. Here’s what McShay had to about Lattimore.
"Lattimore has elite cover skills and good length/size (6-0, 192). He has only one year of starting experience, but he showed good ball production, recording four interceptions and nine pass breakups. Darrelle Revis could be gone or could switch to safety, which would heighten the need for a naturally gifted cover-corner like Lattimore."
The selection certainly makes sense for the Jets. With a few positions of need, cornerback is certainly one of them. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Darrelle Revis, a cornerback might become even more of a priority.
Depending on what the Jets do with Revis could impact how they approach the draft. However, even if Revis stays, the Jets need help at the position.
It is interesting to note that quarterback Deshaun Watson was off the board when the Jets were picking in McShay’s mock draft. With a need for a franchise quarterback, Watson will continue to be a named that will be linked to the Jets. However, there are teams above them that also need quarterbacks.
After seeing the defense struggle, the selection of Lattimore certainly makes sense. After having such a poor secondary in 2016, Lattimore would be able to help the Jets immediately at the position.