2024 NFL Draft Player Preview: J.C. Latham

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J.C. Latham, 6-6/326 Offensive Tackle Alabama

J.C. Latham 2024 Preview
By Charlie Campbell

Career Recap: After serving as a backup during his 2021 season, Latham earned the starting right tackle position as a sophomore. In 2022, Latham allowed zero sacks and was credited with along only 11 hurries and 12 pressures over 517 pass-blocking snaps. He was an imposing presence on the Crimson Tide offensive line.



2023 Season Outlook: Latham will see some good talent during his junior year, with quality opponents spread out from start to finish. His toughest test might come on Nov. 4 with LSU speed-rushing linebacker Harold Perkins. The Auburn Tigers could give Latham some nice challenges in the Iron Bowl.

Skill-Set Summary: Some NFL teams have struggles on the offensive line every year, so organizations are always looking for young talent to upgrade their blocking units. With Latham’s skill set, he has the potential to be an effective starter and help protect a franchise quarterback.

As a pass blocker, Latham has a natural build that includes good size, strength, and length to play on the edge. He does a nice job of sinking his weight to stop bull rushes and has the upper body strength to tie up defenders. With quickness off the ball, Latham gets some depth in his drop, and he is quick out of his stance. When Latham keeps his feet moving, he can cut off the corner and give his quarterback the necessary time to get the ball out. Latham works well in tandem blocks with a guard and is adept at handling games up front with his guard.

In the ground game, Latham uses his strong upper body to tie up defenders and push them around. He can knock defenders backward on occasion, and on other plays, he will twist, turn, and manipulate his defender to keep them away from his back.



Speed rushers coming around the corner can give Latham some issues at times. He may not have the feet and smooth-movement skills that NFL teams want out of their left tackle. While Latham fires out of his stance, he can lumber at times and gets his feet stuck as speed rushers move up field. That may make him more of a right tackle or guard in the NFL. That being said, Latham was only a first-year starter in 2022, so with development and experience he could improve. The athletic upside is there that Latham has the potential to perform better.



2024 NFL Draft Expectations: Entering the 2023 season, Latham looks like he has early-round potential for the 2024 NFL Draft.

2024 NFL Draft Player Previews - Choose Player 2024 NFL Draft Player Previews - Home Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia Javon Bullard, CB, Georgia Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State Marvin Harrison, WR, Ohio State TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami Kalen King, CB, Penn State J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama Malachi Moore, S, Alabama Malik Nabers, WR, LSU Zion Nelson, OT, Miami Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois Rome Odunze, WR, Washington Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas Bralen Trice, DE, Washington Dallas Turner, LB, Alabama Jared Verse, DE, Florida State Caleb Williams, QB, USC Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

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