Lathan Ransom NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Ohio State S

HEIGHT: 6'1"

WEIGHT: 210

POSITIVES

— Physically rocked up athlete with very good size for the position.

— Physical defender who uses his strength to his advantage in the run game. Stout at point of attack and strong tackler who runs his feet through contact.

— Shows a good burst when blitzing and tracking the ball carrier. See ball get ball.

— High motor athlete who shows opportunistic traits by looking to punch out the ball through his tackles.

NEGATIVES

— Shows tightness in space, which can lead to inconsistent tackling.

— Can be heavy footed and lacks fluidity in pass coverage, struggling to change direction and recover downfield.

NOTES

— Born July 16, 2002

— 4 Star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: First Team All-Big Ten

OVERALL

Lathan Ransom is a physically imposing safety prospect out of Ohio State who thrives in run support and near the line of scrimmage. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 210 pounds, Ransom has a muscular build that enables him to handle physicality at the next level. His aggressive play style, high motor, and opportunistic approach to the game make him an intriguing prospect, particularly for teams seeking a downhill, box-style safety.

Ransom's physicality and strength shine when defending the run. He is a stout defender at the point of attack, using his size and leverage to take on blockers and shed them with authority. His quick trigger and straight-line burst allow him to close ground rapidly and get into the backfield to disrupt plays. Ransom's tackling style is aggressive, often throwing his body into ball carriers to deliver impactful hits. However, his torpedoing approach can sometimes lead to missed tackles when he doesn't properly wrap up. Despite this, his ability to sift through traffic and maintain his leverage consistently puts him in a position to make plays against the run.

In coverage, Ransom is best suited for zone schemes where he can use his awareness and straight-line speed to react and attack. He is capable of covering tight ends in short-to-intermediate routes but struggles when asked to match quicker players due to his limited fluidity and change of direction. His footwork can sometimes appear heavy, and his transitions are not as smooth as desired, leading to issues when trying to recover against double moves or deeper routes. While he has the athleticism to compete in short zones, his tightness in space makes him more effective as a close-to-the-line defender than a true deep safety.

Lathan Ransom projects as a mid to late-round selection with the potential to contribute immediately as a rotational safety or a special teams ace. His physicality, instincts, and high motor make him an asset in run-heavy defensive schemes or situations where he can play closer to the line of scrimmage. While his limitations in coverage may prevent him from being an every-down safety, Ransom's aggressive play style and knack for making plays near the line give him the tools to carve out a meaningful role in the NFL. With proper utilization, Ransom can develop into a reliable, situational starter.

GRADE: 7.1 (High-Level Backup / Potential Starter— 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 91

POSITION RANK: S7

PRO COMPARISON: Jeremy Chinn

Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.