The Washington Commanders have acquired four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore and a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for 2025 third-, fourth- and sixth-round picks. Here are five things to know about the newest member of the secondary.
1. Another former Buckeye.
The Commanders are familiar with the talent level that comes with former Ohio State players. There are currently three former Buckeyes on the roster: Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown and Jalyn Holmes. McLaurin and Brown have combined for 64 catches and 926 yards, while Holmes, signed Oct. 16, already has three tackles and a sack.
Lattimore, now the fourth former Buckeye on the Commanders' roster, brings a stellar college resume with him.
Lattimore committed to Ohio State after being ranked as the No. 6 high school cornerback in the country by 247Sports. After redshirting his freshman season and playing in just seven games the following year, Lattimore was named a starter in 2016 and named a First Team All-Big Ten selection. Lattimore was one of the Buckeyes' best defensive players that season, as he recorded 30 tackles with four interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Despite having just one full season of experience, Lattimore was viewed as a first-round pick by most analysts. That draft status was bolstered by his pre-draft measurables, as he ran a 4.36 40-yard dash with a 38.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot broad jump. He ended up being taken 11th overall by the Saints as the first cornerback off the board ahead of Marlon Humphrey, Adoree' Jackson, Gareon Conley and Tre'Davious White.
2. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017.
Lattimore was immediately thrust into the lineup during his rookie season, and it didn't take him long to make a meaningful impact.
Lattimore's first career interception helped the Saints put away their Week 5 game against the Detroit Lions. With less than nine minutes left in the third quarter, Lattimore hauled in an off-target pass from Matt Stafford, turned in the other direction and outran the Lions' offense to the end zone. It put the Saints up 45-10 and helped them eventually take their third win of the 2017 season, 52-38.
Lattimore's season took off from there. He was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month that October for recording two interceptions, 12 tackles and five pass breakups. After missing Weeks 12 and 13 with an ankle sprain, he went on to record an interception in three straight games, one of which was returned for 33 yards.
Lattimore capped off his rookie season with 52 tackles, 18 pass breakups and five interceptions, which earned him Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He remains the only player in Saints history to receive the award.
Check out the top photos of newly-acquired Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore. (Photos via The Associated Press)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) reacts as he poses for a picture as he stretches prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (Michael Owens via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) goes for a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) looks on during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (Michael Owens via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) runs after the catch in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) and wide receiver Simi Fehoko (87) block New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) downfield during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos defeated the Saints 33-10. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) carries on a pass reception against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore, safety Jordan Howden (31) and linebacker Demario Davis (56) in the first half of an NFL football game in Inglewood, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf, left, is covered by New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore durring an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Seattle. The Saints won 13-10. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up in the secondary during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos defeated the Saints 33-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up in the secondary during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos defeated the Saints 33-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) runs with the ball during warm-ups prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, October 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos defeated the Saints 33-10. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22) celebrates with cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, in New Orleans. The Dolphins defeated the Saints, 20-3. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL divisional football playoff game in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019. (Rick Scuteri via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) looks on during the NFC championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in New Orleans. The Rams defeated the Saints, 26-23. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) reacts as a play develops during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. The Titans defeated the Saints 21-23. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) can't hang onto a pass from quarterback Jameis Winston after getting past New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) has a pass broken up by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) runs a pass route against Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. The Vikings beat the Saints 26-20. (Matt Patterson via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) catches a pass during warm-ups prior to an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in New Orleans. The Bills defeated the Saints 36-7. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) jumps in the air as he reaches to intercept the football while Chicago Bears wide receiver Anthony Miller (17) defends during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 in Chicago. The Saints defeated the Bears 36-25. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) waits for the snap during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Saints defeated the Chargers 19-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Robby Anderson (11) carries on a pass reception against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in coverage during a week 17 NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018 in New Orleans. Carolina won 33-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates after intercepting a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) during an NFL divisional football playoff game in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019. (Rick Scuteri via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Colts 34-7. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) tackles Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) after a catch during an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, in New Orleans. Dallas won 27-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Ohio Sate cornerback Marshon Lattimore poses after being selected by the New Orleans Saints during the 2017 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New Orleans Saints free safety Marcus Williams (43) grabs an interception s the ball lands on the back of cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) as outside linebacker Craig Robertson (52) comes in to assist in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends New York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. The Giants defeated the Saints, 27-21. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrate in the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine, left, is stopped by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore, top, breaks up a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the first half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates a defensive touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday Sept. 22, 2019 in Seattle. The Saints defeated the Saints 33-27. (Greg Trott via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Colts, 34-7. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) runs with the ball after a turnover during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in New Orleans. The Jaguars defeated the Saints 31-24. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up before the snap during a regular season Week 9 NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. The Saints beat the Rams 45-35. (Matt Patterson via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints' Marshon Lattimore (23) runs back a fumble recovery during the first half of the team's preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, in New Orleans. Miami won 20-3. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) is tackled by New Orleans Saints strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) waits for the snap during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017 in New Orleans. The Saints won the game, 20-12. (Greg Trott via AP)
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) dives with the ball against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (Michael Owens via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (44) is tackled by New Orleans Saints safety Johnathan Abram (24) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (17) runs against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) and cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints 26-13. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in New Orleans, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. The Broncos won 33-10. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends in coverage during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints 26-13. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine (34) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints, 26-13. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (44) scores on a 5-yard run in the fourth quarter as New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) gives chase during the NFL game on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in New Orleans. (Michael DeMocker/ NFL LCC)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Atlanta. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine, with ball, during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints, 26-13. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) pushes Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) out of bounds during an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints 26-13. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) and linebacker Pete Werner (20) react to a play during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) gets set on defense against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints 26-13. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo (6) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
FILE - New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) warms up before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in New Orleans, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) runs onto the field during pre-game introductions before an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. The Eagles won 15-12. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) positions for a play during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023 in Foxborough, Mass. The Saints defeated the Patriots 34-0. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL regular season football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 in Atlanta. The Falcons won, 20-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) and strong safety Vonn Bell (24) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) against the New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates his inteception with teammates in the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, in Las Vegas. The Raiders defeated the Saints, 34-24. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL divisional football playoff game in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019. (Rick Scuteri via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) pursues the ball carrier during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 in Los Angeles. The Rams won the game 27-9. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage (14) works against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won 30-20. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL regular season game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017 in New Orleans. The Saints won, 20-12. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends in coverage during an NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Chiefs, 26-24. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Green Bay Packers Jordy Nelson (87) can't make this catch during an NFL football game as New Orleans Saints defensive backs Marshon Lattimore (23) and Ken Crawley (20) defend on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisc. The Saints won the game, 26-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore pulls in an interception on a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor (13) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) scrambles in the open field during an NFL football game against the Bengals, played in Cincinnati, Oh, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrate a defensive stop in the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) reacts between plays in the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
Philadelphia Eagles' Alshon Jeffery (17) in action against New Orleans Saints' Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
New Orleans Saints' Marshon Lattimore during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94), defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99), and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrate after a play during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs is pushed out of bounds by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore on a pass reception during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) hypes up the crowd during an NFL football NFC wild card playoff game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Panthers, 31-26. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Vonn Bell (24) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrate during an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. The Saints defeated the Chargers, 36-7. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Russell Shepard (19) against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football NFC wild card playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Panthers, 31-26. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tyler Johnson (18) runs upfield and tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. The Saints won 9-0. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) catches the ball in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in New Orleans. New Orleans won 31-28. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Seattle. New Orleans won 13-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Doctson (18) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the football against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Saints, 13-10. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates after a play during an NFL football NFC wild card playoff game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Panthers, 31-26. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones carries against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) catches a warm up ball during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 in Los Angeles. The Rams won the game 27-9. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Carolina Panthers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (34) crosses the goal line against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) on a tcoudhown carry in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) defends during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017 in Carson, Calif. The Saints won the game, 13-7. (Greg Trott via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) is called for pass interference on Dallas Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper (19) in the end zone during a 2018 NFL week 13 regular season game, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Saints, 13-10. (James D. Smith via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up for a play in the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in New Orleans, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Craig Robertson (52) celebrates his fumble recovery with cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in New Orleans. The 49ers defeated the Saints, 48-46. (Ryan Kang via AP)
NFC cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) of the New Orleans Saints is seen during the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Sunday, February 6, 2022, in Las Vegas. (Gregory Payan/AP Images for NFL)
3. He rarely gets scored on.
The Commanders' secondary has improved in recent weeks but still had some clear weaknesses prior to the trade for Lattimore. Despite being fifth in passing yards allowed per game, the defense is tied for ninth in passing touchdowns allowed. Lattimore should help fix some of that.
It's been a long time since Lattimore allowed a touchdown in single coverage. The last time it happened was in 2021, which was also the last time he was selected to a Pro Bowl. Over the last three seasons and 889 coverage snaps, Lattimore has only allowed one touchdown.
Although it has improved in recent weeks, allowing explosive plays has been a problem for the Commanders for the past three seasons. Last week's win over the New York Giants was an example of that, as Theo Johnson was wide open on a 35-yard touchdown and Darius Slayton hauled in a 23-yard catch.
It might take some time for Lattimore to get fully involved in the defense, but if he can limit the number of times Washington gets scored on in the passing game, it would shore up a glaring weakness for the unit.
4. He locks down receivers.
Here's another reason to be excited about Lattimore getting added to the Commanders' secondary: he knows how to lock down receivers.
According to NextGenStats, Lattimore has allowed a -12.3% completion rate over expected when targeted as the nearest defender this season. There are only two players ahead of him in the category: Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears and Renardo Green of the San Francisco 49ers.
Lattimore has been targeted on 9.7% of his coverage snaps -- the second lowest among perimeter cornerbacks this season -- in seven games, and for good reason; quarterbacks rarely have success when they target him. He has allowed a 70.4 passer rating over the past three seasons.
It's fortuitous that Lattimore is being added to the Commanders' roster as the Burgundy & Gold enter the second half of the season, because they will be facing a list of quality wide receivers over the next eight games. That starts with the Steelers' George Pickens, followed by the duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith with the Eagles on Thursday Night Football. CeeDee Lamb and Drake London are also on the schedule.
Washington has generally struggled against No. 1 receivers this season and in previous years. So, having a corner who can match up with those weapons will add a tremendous lift to the unit.
5. His presence changes Washington's defense.
Lattimore adds another talented player to a defense on the rise, and his presence will have reverberating effects on the entire unit.
For starters, it will allow Benjamin St-Juste to play as the No. 2 corner, a position where his size and quickness could be better suited and utilized in a more effective manner. It would also allow rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil to move back into the slot position, which is something that head coach Dan Quinn admitted is probably the rookie's natural position. Sainrstil is a smaller defensive back but does have the quickness and physicality to thrive against slot receivers.
The Commanders' pass-rush, which is tied for ninth with 24 sacks, will also benefit as well. Assuming Lattimore can lock down offenses' No. 1 receivers, that will give Daron Payne, Dante Fowler Jr. and the rest of Washington's defensive front more time to get to opposing quarterbacks.
In short, Lattimore can change the entire structure of the Commanders' defense in a serious way. And as the team gets ready for a playoff push, his addition could seriously matter as it aims for its first winning season since 2016 and their first postseason appearance since 2020.
