PFF Ranks Saints Cornerback Among NFL's Best
As they enter the 2023-24 NFL season, the New Orleans Saints might very well have their best cornerback unit in franchise history and arguably the NFL's best trio of corners. The Saints ranked second against the pass defensively in 2022, allowing an average of less than 185 yards per outing.
New Orleans had a lofty ranking against the pass despite some pass rushing issues, injuries in their secondary, and a rookie at cornerback. Star CB Marshon Lattimore missed 10 games with a severe abdominal injury. Second-year CB Paulson Adebo battled injuries and inconsistent play most of the year. Rookie second-round pick Alontae Taylor stepped up to have an outstanding year, giving the team a bright future at the position.
Pro Football Focus released their cornerback rankings coming into the 2023 season. Writer Sam Monson listed one New Orleans corner among the site's top 32 at the position.
Marshon Lattimore came in at Number 7 on the PFF cornerback rankings. Here's what Monson wrote about Lattimore:
Since Lattimore entered the NFL, his best play has always stacked up with the top cornerbacks in the game. Even last season, his best game — a 93.4 overall grade — came in Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles, albeit with Gardner Minshew at quarterback. Lattimore’s issue has always been inconsistency, and despite notching 32 pass breakups over the past three seasons, he has also allowed 15 touchdowns.
Ranked ahead of Lattimore in the PFF rankings were
1. Sauce Gardner (Jets)
2. Jalen Ramsey (Dolphins)
3. Darius Slay (Eagles)
4. Patrick Surtain II (Broncos)
5. Jaire Alexander (Packers)
6. Stephon Gilmore (Cowboys)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY
Limited to only seven games in 2022, Lattimore allowed just 60% completion percentage and no touchdowns when targeted. He also had one of just seven interceptions by the defense, returning it for a game-clinching touchdown against the Eagles in Week 17.
You can argue that if healthy, Lattimore deserves a higher spot in these rankings. What can't be argued is the fact that he is an elite defensive player.
The 27-year-old Lattimore was the NFL Defensive Rookie of Year as a first-round pick from Ohio State in 2017. He's remained a shutdown corner throughout his career, breaking up an eye-popping 78 throws and intercepting 14 passes in six years.
Lattimore is usually tasked with guarding an opponent’s best receiver one-on-one. He does so with astonishing efficiency, often completely taking a receiver out of the game. This ability allows New Orleans to be much more aggressive and creative with their defensive game plans.
Alontae Taylor may soon find himself ranked with teammate Lattimore among the league's top corners. Lattimore, Taylor, Adebo, and veteran Bradley Roby give the Saints an elite crew of corners capable of handling even the deepest receiving units.
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