JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Size:
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 342 pounds
Arm Length: 35 1/8"
Hand Size: 11”
Accomplishments:
Started all 13 games in 2022 • Former 5-star recruit
“JC Latham has the prototypical size and athleticism necessary to be a dominant offensive tackle.”
Strengths:
Quickness/lateral agility
Strength to anchor
Natural athleticism
High-IQ player
Strong/powerful hands
Concerns:
Sustaining blocks in the run game
Bending at the waist to engage with defenders
Inside counter pass-rush moves
Film Analysis:
JC Latham is an offensive tackle who checks all of the boxes when it comes to overall body mass, length, and strength. Latham has used this combination to be a consistently dominant offensive tackle for the Crimson Tide, providing great value in both pass protection and as a run blocker.
In pass protection, Latham shows great quickness and athleticism in how quickly he can get depth in his pass set. He’s able to beat defenders to the top of the arc and is ready to engage with them. Latham has great tempo and cadence to his pass set, being able to keep leverage on defenders and preventing them from taking an inside rush track. When Latham engages, he has great punch timing and power in his hands. When he latches on, he usually controls the defender's rush. Latham shows the ability to anchor on defenders when they go to convert speed to power and also shows the ability to retrace his steps laterally to react to counter moves, being able to move his feet while engaged.
In the run game, Latham showcases good athletic ability in how he can effectively block defenders in the zone run game. Latham consistently showcases the ability to reach-block defenders and also seal off the backside of runs. On inside zone runs, Latham can effectively work double teams and climb to the second level, controlling and placing an effective block.
There are two areas of improvement for Latham the first is in the power run game. On gap/power run plays, Latham does a good job of making initial contact and getting movement but he needs to improve on sustaining blocks. This issue comes from Latham dropping his hand and playing too far out over his toes. This prevents him from keeping his balance and maintaining a good base for power.
The other area for improvement for Latham would be his ability to handle the inside counter move. Latham needs to work on remaining balanced to be able to consistently close the distance on the outside to inside counter move. On occasion, defenders can sell outside pass rushes and cross Latham's face, inside resulting in penetration.
Overall, Latham is an offensive prospect who flashes elite-level play and is working on the details of his game to become more consistent and sustain that level of play.
Prospect Projection: Day 1 — Pro Bowl Caliber
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Texas (2023), Texas A&M (2023), Auburn (2023), Georgia (2023) Texas (2022), Florida (2022)
