JC Latham may be the top overall prospect at offensive tackle any other year. This draft class proves to get deeper and more talented as you go down the lists. An elite, former 5-star recruit from a top-tier football program lays the foundation for Latham to succeed at the next level. If your favorite team misses on the likes of Joe Alt, fear not because Latham is about as good of a consolation prize as you can get.
Physical Profile:
HEIGHT: 6’6
WEIGHT: 342
HAND: 11”
ARM: 35 ⅛”
WINGSPAN: N/A
JC Latham took most of the measurements but did not actively participate in skill drills.
So, with some numbers in mind, what are Latham’s strengths and weaknesses?
Weaknesses:
Must improve his base if he hopes to stave off tough edge rushers
Frequent penalties show a lack of discipline
Struggles against certain angles and tends to stick to one blocking technique even as rushers counter.
Strengths:
Great pass blocking with violent hands and quick feet
Effective at zone-rush blocking schemes
Bulldozing/mauler traits at run-blocking
Top draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said this about Latham:
“Latham is a massive right tackle. He has an enormous power base and taps into it in both the run and pass games.”
Projection:
GMs around the league will look at JC Latham’s pedigree and ability to play left or right tackle and absolutely salivate at selecting him. I’m most impressed with his run-blocking, as he clears lanes wide enough for a bus against the SEC defenses. He will need to improve his discipline and some footwork in pass protection, but the sky's the limit.
NFL comparison: Braden Smith
NFL team fit: Tennessee Titans
(Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)