Cornerback just eluded Arizona Cardinals’ grasp last April
By Jim Koch
Dynamic cornerback Marshon Lattimore was selected two slots ahead of where the Arizona Cardinals picked in last April’s draft
The fact that the Arizona Cardinals needed to find a number-two cornerback was the NFL’s worst-kept secret last Spring. Ever since Antonio Cromartie had flown the coup following the 2014 campaign, the club had suffered at the spot opposite Patrick Peterson. Many thought the problem would be addressed during last April’s draft, where the Cards held the 13th-overall pick.
In a stroke of bad luck, a stud cover guy was taken just slots ahead of where they selected. Ohio State’s Marshon Lattimore went to the New Orleans Saints at number 11, and Arizona had missed out. The rookie is having an excellent season, and is one of the main reasons for the Saints’ defensive turnaround.
In the 10 games that he has participated in, Lattimore has racked up 39 tackles, three interceptions and 10 passes defensed. The 6’0″, 193 pounder has the look of a seasoned veteran. He’s been asked by the New Orleans coaching staff to shadow the opposing teams’ best wide receivers at times, and has held up well in doing so.
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Lattimore would’ve been a great fit with the Cardinals. Pairing him up with Peterson would’ve caused some sleepless nights for offensive coordinators throughout the league. It goes without saying what having two excellent cornerbacks can do for the fortunes of a defense.
Obviously, being able to acquire Lattimore last April would’ve taken some wheeling and dealing by general manager Steve Keim. Jumping up two spots in the first round would’ve cost the club some valuable chips. But knowing what we know now, Lattimore may have been worth it.
Lost in this discussion is the fact that the Cards did end up with Haason Reddick, an inside linebacker with a ton of upside. The Temple University product has tallied 30 tackles and two and a half sacks through 13 contests. Reddick has not been a disappointment in the least, but a case can certainly be made that Lattimore would’ve been the better choice.
Of course, it’s easy to say what should’ve been done after the fact. As of now, it appears that moving up in the draft to grab Lattimore would’ve been worth the gamble. But only time will tell for sure.