Watched more on Latimer and am really, really impressed. Couple thoughts...
1. Definitely plays to his measurables. The speed, strength, and leaping ability show up. We hear a lot about SPARQ, but Latimer definitely lives up to it on the field.
2. Despite being a "basketball player," he did show some physicality in the blocking game. On one particular swing/screen pass for a TD, he flat out owns the DB and takes him out of the picture. Very good to see this as the stigma with "great athletes," usually implies a lack of "football physicality."
3. Still massive untapped potential. Despite pretty good production (for a bad team), Latimer does look like he can get to another level in every facet of the game. His leaping ability, while good IMO, can still get better (ie timing, more football experience). Strikes me as a guy who just needs more reps and better coaching.
4. Hands were more natural than I assumed for a raw WR. One particular long TD, he simply plucks the ball in stride for an easy TD. It was nice to see because a lot of guys will body catch these types of passes. Why does this matter? Because the ease in which he plucked it and the instinct to use his hands like that are not things that I think can be taught/coached. Every skill can be improved, but I think being a natural catcher of the football is just there or it isn't. As a baseball guy, this is always a fun thing to watch when looking at WRs, kinda like watching a really good shortstop or catcher.
5. What is his draft stock? This is the tricky part. The raw talent is there to be an excellent NFL WR. I've read everything from late rounder to a possible late 1st/early 2nd. A casual view made me think R3-5 guy, but upon further review, I wouldn't be shocked if he did indeed become a high 2nd rounder. Quite honestly, with the buzz that Moncrief and Bryant have made with their great combine, no reason that Latimer shouldn't be right there with them. In fact, I'd honestly prefer Latimer over Moncrief and Bryant. Despite being raw, my gut tells me that I trust Latimer to turn into a starting WR, while also possessing the upside to become a huge weapon. Bryant and Moncrief might possess slightly more upside, but I don't get that same gut feel that they are no brainer starting WRs.
6. Does he fit in Seattle? Absolutely. In fact, I could see him being very highly regarded due to his basketball background (think Mike Williams recruitment to USC). The physicality, athletic gifts, and untapped potential seem to fit the hallmarks of a Seattle Seahawk. Would they take him at 32? That would be a stretch to me at this point, but it wouldn't drop my jaw to the floor.
Latimer has an awful lot to like. He's right there (IMO) with Bryant, Moncrief, Coleman as bigger guys with massive potential. While he doesn't have the size of Coleman or the same speed as Bryant/Moncrief, he seems to be a much more natural catcher of the football. This aspect alone, especially in a run first offense (where every pass/catch/drop matters), I find myself liking Latimer the most out of this raw, upside group of WR prospects. As mentioned earlier, what the heck is his draft stock?
