Top OL prospect isn't shy about 'dream' draft team, QB

JC Latham. Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK

Top OL prospect JC Latham isn't shy about 'dream' draft team, quarterback

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/5/24

The New York Jets need offensive line help and Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham will likely be on the board when they pick 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Jets’ selection may also be influenced by what happens with Notre Dame’s Joe Alt, Penn State’s Olu Fashanu and Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga, but Latham hasn’t been shy about his desire to play in New York with one of his favorite players — Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

“I grew up in Milwaukee, so I definitely was watching them a whole lot,” Latham said, via the Jets official website. “Just seeing the incredible plays he made and the offense when he was with Green Bay was unreal. To join forces with Rodgers as a pro would definitely be a dream.”

A two-year starter at Alabama, Latham was graded as the 19th-best offensive tackle in the NCAA this season by Pro Football Focus.

He allowed just one sack and nine pressures on 742 offensive snaps as Alabama’s right tackle this season, and he didn’t surrender a sack on 821 offensive snaps in 2022. Over the last two seasons, Latham allowed just 20 pressures and 16 hurries while blocking some of the country’s top pass-rushers in the SEC.

JC Latham on his physicality and playing right or left tackle #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/TuiUDkFKT0
— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 2, 2024

The 6-foot-6, 330-pound tackle revealed that he interviewed with the Jets at the combine, expressing his interest in blocking for Rodgers and the team in 2024.

“It was a great meeting; I really jelled with the whole coaching staff,” Latham added. “We went over the film — good, bad, ugly. I got to know them and they got to know me and my background. So it was really a great time.”

It doesn’t really get more impressive from a frame/build standpoint than how JC Latham looks up close here in Indy. His weigh-in was outstanding and he aces the eye test. Has looked good in the drills as well.
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) March 3, 2024

The Jets are looking to upgrade at both tackle spots given the poor production they got last season. Mekhi Becton, Carter Warren and Duane Brown combined for 1,091 offensive snaps, allowing 79 pressures, 47 hurries and 17 sacks. Max Mitchell, Warren, Billy Turner and Alijah Vera-Tucker combined for 998 snaps, allowing 80 pressures, 54 hurries and 17 sacks.

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