NFL Honors: Saints CB Marshon Lattimore named Defensive Rookie of the Year

Ron Clements

NFL Honors: Saints CB Marshon Lattimore named Defensive Rookie of the Year image

Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore was an easy choice for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Lattimore, a first-round pick from Ohio State (11th overall), was named the league's top defensive rookie during Saturday's NFL Honors program in Minneapolis.

The 21-year-old Cleveland native is the first Saints player to be selected Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Lattimore tied for fifth in the NFL with five interceptions. He finished the regular season with 53 tackles (44 solo), five interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 18 passes defensed, which tied for the most by a rookie in 2017 in 13 games (all starts). He posted a streak of three consecutive games with an interception. Lattimore was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month in October and December.

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Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White and Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt also had excellent rookie seasons. White had 69 tackles with four interceptions and a forced fumble and tied Lattimore with 18 pass breakups.

Watt followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, by recording seven sacks, including a forced fumble, and an interception. Like his brother, Watt also demonstrated a proclivity for batting passes at the line with seven pass breakups.

 

Ron Clements