The Tennessee Titans hope to have landed their franchise left tackle. JC Latham, an Alabama alum, has a lot to live up to as the second offensive lineman selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The 21-year-old officially signed his first professional contract on Friday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The transaction is worth $26.04 million over four years.
What can Titans fans expect from the 6-foot-6, 342-pound bruiser moving forward?
JC Latham needs to be an upper-echelon tackle for the Titans
Latham had a successful career at right tackle for the Crimson Tide. The former five-star recruit was dependable, missing only one game over three seasons and starting full-time in the last two. He was also named first-team All-SEC and second-team AP All-American last season.
Latham has Pro Bowl potential at the next level, according to Lance Zeirlein of NFL.com’s scouting report.
“Bulldozer in human form with the upper- and lower-body power to forcibly evacuate run lanes and instantly upgrade a team’s ground attack,” Zierlein stated. “Latham’s physique is girthy, and he possesses outstanding drive-blocking abilities. He has used a variety of run techniques, but will be an average move blocker both laterally and when climbing to the second level.”
While Latham’s lack of lateral agility and movement may be an issue against agile edge rushers, his power and physicality provide him with a solid base to build on.
“His pass sets are well-balanced with good initial quickness and active hands,” Zierlein said. “He successfully unleashes lefts and rights, as well as mirrors, after contact, but is beaten by inside movements when he oversets. He has the length and hand power to stop rushers, but he needs to get more comfortable setting diagonally rather than vertically to prevent getting too deep into his own pocket. Latham’s stature, strength, and talent give him the potential to become a highly regarded right tackle or Pro Bowl-caliber guard.
It’s vital to note that Titans quarterback Will Levis isn’t a great rusher. While he is mobile, he lacks the elite-level escape skills required to cope with edge rushers on a consistent basis.
Regardless, Latham allowed just two sacks, six quarterback hits, and 22 hurries in his career. Despite his mobility limitations, he was viewed as a highly valuable draft pick.
According to Nick Suss of The Tennessean, Tennessee is so confident in him that the team will not hesitate to change his position straight away.
“Despite playing right tackle at Alabama, the Titans intend to play Latham at left tackle in the pros, making him second-year quarterback Will Levis’ new blindside protector,” Suss stated.
While learning to protect the blindside is a significant task for a rookie tackle, Latham’s physical potential made the Titans’ decision easy. Tennessee may rely more heavily on the passing game in the future after losing standout running back Derrick Henry to free agency. To avoid blindside sacks in pass protection, Latham will need to hit the ground running. His and Levis’ fortunes will be closely linked over the following few seasons.
