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Over the next month, ClevelandBrowns.com will break down some of the best players in this year's NFL Draft class and what they could bring to Cleveland's youth-laden roster.*
Name:CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
Measurables: 6-0, 193 pounds
What makes him a first-round pick?
Lattimore overcame chronic hamstring injuries -- he needed surgery his freshman year and played sparingly in 2015 -- before emerging as one of the best cornerbacks in college football last season.
The Ohio State standout and Cleveland native won a starting job in the fall and delivered big time with four interceptions and nine pass breakups. What separates Lattimore from the rest of the corners, though, is his "explosive athleticism and a loaded tool box," wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein.
Though teams might have concerns about his hamstrings and lack of experience (he played in 16 career games and started 13), Lattimore "has the feet, hips and agility to be a lockdown cornerback and the ball skills to make teams pay for looking in his direction. His lack of experience could show up early," Zierlein continued. "He has the confidence and competitive nature that should help him overcome those issues. He has the ability to become a Pro Bowl cornerback early in his career."
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Biggest college moment?**
In his third career start, Lattimore came up big in a primetime showdown at then-No. 14 Oklahoma. He spent most of the night guarding receiver and fellow NFL hopeful Dede Westbrook (five catches, 51 yards) and recorded a highlight-reel interception that showed off an unusual degree of closing speed and athleticism. The Buckeyes won 45-24.
How did he do at the combine?
Much was made when Lattimore clocked a blazing 4.36-second 40-yard dash, further cementing his status as one of the elite prospects in this year's draft class.
But there was an equal amount of concern when Lattimore appeared to pull up at the end of the drill grabbing his leg. He said at his Pro Day last week he suffered a minor hip flexor injury and dismissed previous reports he re-injured his hamstring.
"They didn't even know what was going on," Lattimore said in Columbus. "I didn't grab my hamstring or anything like that, they just thought it was my hamstring. It is what it is, but I'm good."
Quote to know
"I feel like I did the work to be one of the top players in the draft, but I'm just excited. It's more excitement than surprise. Just going out there and being physical, very versatile, playing with great passion. That's what helped me be good this year, be great this year."
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Ohio State's Marshon Lattimore overcame hamstring injuries and became one of the best CBs in college football.
Why he would make sense for the Browns?**
Lattimore is a gifted cornerback with impressive ball skills, closing speed and overall athleticism to be a playmaker in Cleveland's secondary. And though this year's class of defensive backs is as loaded as it has been in recent years, Lattimore could help a defense that finished with 10 interceptions and 21st against the pass last season.
Reasons why he won't be available at No. 12?
Aside from concerns over his hamstrings and his relative inexperience, Lattimore is widely viewed as an instant starter and Pro Bowl caliber player. Most mock drafts peg him going in the top 10.
