The 2025 NFL offseason is here and that means it’s time for mock drafts, draft profiles and everything that goes with them. So without further ado, here’s one of many Draft Profiles for the 2025 NFL draft.
Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State
HT: 6’0
WT: 206 lbs
Accolades:
CFP national champion (2024)
First-team All-Big Ten (2024)
Video:
Pros:
Downhill hammer in run support who shows rare instincts attacking from depth – consistently beats blockers to spots and delivers jarring hits that alter offensive game plans.
Born to play near the line of scrimmage with a sixth sense for diagnosing run schemes – filters through trash with surprising efficiency and rarely takes false steps.
Stack and shed technique against lead blockers looks like a linebacker’s – uses strong hands to control tight ends at point of attack then disengages to make plays.
Creates turnover opportunities by violently attacking the football – three forced fumbles in 2024 weren’t accidents but deliberate attempts to punch through ball security.
Versatility shows up in his snap distribution across all defensive levels – slides seamlessly between deep safety, box defender, and nickel roles without communication breakdowns.
Special teams warrior with game-changing block potential – two punt blocks in 2022 highlight his knack for finding creases and explosive closing burst when untouched.
Shows impressive timing and disguise ability as a blitzer – delayed pressure packages allow him to navigate through traffic without tipping his intentions pre-snap.
Championship pedigree with five years of development in an elite program – battle-tested in the biggest moments and contributed to national championship defense as a leader.
Cons:
Heavy feet in transitional movements limit man coverage ceiling – struggles to flip hips smoothly and recover when matched against shifty slot receivers in space.
Ball production doesn’t match his overall defensive impact – just three interceptions across his final three seasons suggests limitations tracking the ball in flight.
Coverage instincts lag behind his run-defense awareness – relies too heavily on physical attributes rather than anticipating route combinations in zone.
Concerning injury history raises durability red flags – broken leg (2021) and Lisfranc injury (2023) could impact longevity given his physical playing style.
Torpedo tackling style leads to occasional whiffs in space – sacrifices form for impact at times, resulting in highlight-reel hits but also frustrating misses.
Summary:
Lathan Ransom’s playing style is reminiscent of a traditional box safety, but with the versatility to become a game-changing defensive asset in the right system. Upon closer examination, it’s clear that Ransom’s confidence and impact increase significantly as he approaches the line of scrimmage. A standout example of this can be seen in his 2024 performance against Penn State, where he excelled as a hybrid linebacker/safety, aggressively filling gaps and delivering punishing hits that altered the momentum of the game.
Lathan Ransom, made the most of his fifth year in 2024, delivering a standout campaign with 76 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles, all while anchoring a championship-caliber defense. Throughout his collegiate career, Ransom showcased his versatility by lining up at multiple positions, accumulating significant snaps in the nickel (632), box (711), and as a high safety (1,005).
This diverse skill set is highly valued by NFL teams. Although Ransom’s interception totals were modest, with just one in each of his final three seasons, his physical playing style and championship pedigree make him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking a strong presence in their secondary.
Information in this article was obtained from NFL Draft Buzz and is used with permission. Find the latest coverage, analysis, and player rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft at nfldraftbuzz.com
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