Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham is among the most dominant offensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Latham possesses the prototypical size, length, strength, and athleticism required to be an instant contributor at the next level.
Quickness and lateral agility are present to mirror opposing pass rushers, but it’s his rare play strength that’s at the forefront of Latham’s physical makeup. Latham’s ability to anchor versus defenders who attempt to convert speed to power is outstanding. There also isn’t an offensive tackle in this class with better grip strength. The rep is over once Latham latches on.
Latham helps highlight an outstanding class of offensive linemen. Tackles with Latham's ability will be drafted early and often. With that knowledge in mind, we’ve identified three ideal team fits for Latham.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
The Chargers are candidates to trade down from No. 5 overall. The Minnesota Vikings now own the 11th and 23rd selections and are expected to use that ammunition to position themselves for a quarterback like J.J. McCarthy or Drake Maye. The Chargers and Vikings make for ideal trade partners. The Vikings could acquire a top-five pick while the Chargers receive two first-round selections to attack needs created by a salary cap purge.
If the Chargers move down to No. 11, addressing right tackle should become a priority. It's a position of need opposite Rashawn Slater. New head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to establish a physical culture. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman wants to lean a little heavier on the run game than the previous regime did. Latham is a tone-setter who would quickly replace Trey Pipkins at right tackle.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Bengals are on the hunt for Jonah Williams' replacement at right tackle. A hole was created when Williams signed a two-year contract worth $15 million annually with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. News broke on Monday evening that the Bengals will host veteran tackle Trent Brown on a visit.
Even if the-soon-to-be 31-year-old Brown is signed, he projects as a short-term bridge option. Bengals decision-maker Duke Tobin needs talent at premium positions on cost-controlled rookie deals after signing Joe Burrow to a historic extension. Something similar will soon arrive for Ja’Marr Chase. If Latham is available at No. 18, the Bengals should sprint the pick to the podium.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The Raiders own the 13th selection and appear to be content moving forward with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell at quarterback. It's a long-term problem that will require eventual solving, but the Raiders should spend this offseason preparing for the next quarterback. The best way to do that is to upgrade the offensive line.
Kolton Miller is entrenched at left tackle. Last year’s starting right tackle was Jermaine Eluemunor, who signed with the New York Giants in free agency. Eluemunor’s departure has momentarily catapulted Thayer Munford Jr. into the starting role. I expect GM Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce to pursue improvement at the position. Latham plays with the physical temperament that matches the identity Pierce is trying to instill.
