Summary

JC Latham was selected in the 1st Round (#7 Overall) in the 2024 Draft out of University of Alabama. Latham is a physically imposing tackle prospect whose game is built around power, size, and length. He offers an NFL franchise one of the more dominant run‐blockers in recent years with promising pass protection traits. While the foundational tools are elite, he still has work ahead of him in motion, agility, and refinement against top‐tier edge rushers and counters.

Strengths

• Elite size and length: Latham brings rare stature—6′6″ with long arms and mass—that gives him a reach and anchoring advantage in both run and pass protection. PFSN

• Powerful run‑blocking ability: He consistently drives defenders off the line of scrimmage, uses strong leverage, and finishes blocks with authority.

• Good pass‑set mechanics for his size: Despite his large frame, he demonstrates solid footwork, knee‑bend, and punch in pass sets—especially compared to many oversized tackles. NFL Draft Buzz

• Anchor and grip strength: When defenders latch on, his core strength and hand work often win the rep. He doesn’t give up ground easily and maintains blocks. PFSN

• Competitive toughness and finishing mentality: He plays with nastiness at the point of attack, doesn’t shy away from contact, and brings high physicality to his game. PFSN

Weaknesses

• Foot quickness & lateral agility: While his footwork is good for his size, he’s not elite in mirroring very quick edge rushers, especially when movement demands increase (e.g., when asked to pull or reach block). PFSN

• Balance & counter‑move vulnerability: Some scouts note that he can get off‑balance, especially when defenders use stutter or inside counter moves; his weight/distribution can make recovery slower. Yardbarker

• Transitioning to space/motion still developing: In more open‐field blocking (second level, open space), his mobility is less refined—he’s not yet an elite mover in space. With the First Pick

• Technique or discipline in some reps: At times his hand placement is low or his pad height rises; also, his awareness of complex blitzes or counters is an area for growth. BamaOnLine

• Scheme sensitivity: Given his strengths and his somewhat limited agility, his best fit may be in offenses that emphasize power run or require solid pass protection rather than extreme movement/tight spaces. He may face challenges in systems demanding frequent pulling, spacing or ultra‑quick edge matchups.

Outlook & Fit

JC Latham projects as a starting offensive tackle in the NFL with a high floor and a strong ceiling, especially for teams willing to play to his strengths. He fits best in an offense that emphasizes power‐run concepts with a dominant presence at the point of attack and one that uses zone or mixed pass protection schemes where his anchors and punch matter more than constant frenetic movement. If he continues to refine his lateral agility and counter recognition, he could evolve into a top‐tier tackle protecting the blind side or strong side of a franchise quarterback. If those areas lag, he remains a highly valuable starter—perhaps more dominant in the run game than in extreme pass‐rush situations.