Weaknesses:
Summary: It can be hard for prospects to stand out when they play at conference doormats. Indiana has produced some NFL players in recent years, but the school isn’t scouted as hard or watched as closely as the Big Ten powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Wisconsin. That definitely is the case for Latimer. If he went to one of those other schools, he would have received more attention during his career.
As a sophomore, Latimer had 51 receptions for 805 yards with six scores. He decided to skip his senior season after producing a quality junior year for the Hoosiers. His most impressive game of 2013 was an eight-catch, 136-yard game against Missouri. However, he didn’t stand out against Ohio State (5-60) or Wisconsin (5-42), but his quarterback and offensive line were overmatched. Latimer finished 2013 with 72 receptions for 1,096 yards and nine touchdowns. The junior had an impressive pro day and has seen a nice rise in his projection in the months leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft.
For the NFL, Latimer has the skill set to be a good starter. He is a talented wide out who is quick, strong, runs good routes, has strong hands, is physical and competes for the football. While Latimer isn’t a deep-threat receiver who will stretch a defense vertically, he has enough quickness to get separation. Even when covered, Latimer is open as he uses his size and strength to make contested catches over defensive backs.
Latimer is very good working along the sideline. His pro offensive coordinator and quarterback are going to love tossing back-shoulder throws to him. Those have become a rage in the NFL, and Latimer will be an asset there. He also is a nice weapon in the red zone on fade passes and on third downs. Latimer has good run-after-the-catch ability as well. He would be a great fit in a West Coast offense running slants, crosses and digs in the short to intermediate part of the field.
Some project Latimer to be a first-round pick, but could be a bit too high. He shouldn’t go any lower than the third round and looks most likely to be a second-round pick.
Player Comparison: Hakeem Nicks. The way that Latimer plays reminds me of Nix. They use a well-rounded set of skills to get open and make plays for their quarterback. Latimer is bigger than Nicks (6-1, 210), but not by much. Before injuries slowed him down, Nicks had some good years for the New York Giants after being a first-round pick in 2009. Latimer will probably go a little bit lower, but in the NFL, I could see Latimer being a receiver similar to Nicks.
NFL Matches: Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New York Jets, Cleveland, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carolina, San Francisco, Denver, Seattle
Latimer has a lot of possible landing spots late on the the second day. There are a number of teams picking in the late teens and 20s that could select him. Early in the second round, Latimer would be a good fit in Tampa Bay or Jacksonville. The Bucs need help a lot of help at wide receiver, and Latimer could be a good fit for Jeff Tedford’s offense. The Jaguars need more weapons for their new quarterback given Justin Blackmon’s status.
If the Browns pass on a receiver in Round 1, they could target Latimer in the second round. He would be a nice complement to Josh Gordon.
Pittsburgh needs help at receiver, but Latimer may not be big enough for what the Steelers are looking for. Baltimore and the New York Jets would be good fits for Latimer. Both teams signed free agent wide receivers, but each one could use more help in its receiving corps.
Elsehwere in the NFC South, Carolina has a massive need at wide receiver, and Latimer could be a replacement for Steve Smith. The Panthers are locked into drafting a wide receiver early. New Orleans also could consider a wide out. The Saints lost some weapons this offseason in Darren Sproles and Lance Moore. The team has some older veterans at receiver, but Latimer would give New Orleans some play-making youth.
The Eagles could use more talent at receiver after cutting DeSean Jackson. Philadelphia has shown a ton of interest in Latimer.
The 49ers could use more young talent at wide receiver. Denver doesn’t have a real need at receiver, but Latimer could be the best player available. Wes Welker is only a short-termer at this point, so Latimer could be drafted to be his replacement in a year.
Seattle lost Golden Tate in free agency, and the Seahawks would probably prefer drafting a receiver with more size.
RELATED LINKS:
2014 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2014 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2014 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 16
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
