Kansas City Chiefs: Top 10 Draft Targets For 2017

Kansas City Chiefs Draft Target No. 6

Marshon Lattimore – CB – Ohio State

It has become clear that the Kansas City Chiefs simply cannot rely on cornerback Phillip Gaines to be healthy.  It’s unfortunate, because Gaines has proven himself to be a talented player when healthy enough to play.  However, the old adage is true…the most important ability is availability.  That’s why the Chiefs should be looking to Ohio State corner, Marshon Lattimore.

Marshon Lattimore is an elite level athlete with outstanding ball hawk skills.  Lattimore also brings ideal size (6’1, 195 lbs) that allows him to match up with bigger receivers.  The red shirt sophomore doesn’t back down from any challenges, and displays the desired confidence of a cornerback.  Lattimore has also shown strong coverage and recognition skills.

The biggest question regarding Marshon Lattimore is his health.  The young man had recurring problems with his hamstrings over the course of his first two years at Ohio State.  The issues interrupted his ability to contribute early on, and even caused him to have to sit out a season and red shirt.

Fans may be leery of bringing in a guy with known injury issues to replace a guy with injury issues.  However, the source of Lattimore’s problems has been identified as being improperly taught how to stretch.  He now goes through a much more detailed regimen, and has not had issues this year.  The ceiling for Lattimore is very high, and I see him as being worth the risk.