The New Orleans Saints traded multiple picks for two selections in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Those picks were used on Ohio State's WR Chris Olave (11th overall) and Northern Iowa's OT Trevor Penning (19th overall).
The Olave turned out to be a great pickup. He has over 1,000 receiving yards in both seasons, totaling 159 catches for 2,165 yards and nine touchdowns. Penning missed the first 11 games of his rookie year with a foot injury and started only one game that season. He was given the starting left tackle job, but was benched after six games due to poor play.
Penning's struggles have led many to believe the Saints will target another tackle in this year's draft. Additionally, RT Ryan Ramczyk has limited mobility with a knee issue, putting his long-term future in question, and G/T Andrus Peat is currently a free agent.
Fortunately, this year's draft class looks to have a lot of depth at tackle. Here, we take a closer look at one of the top players at this perennial powerhouse position.
JC Latham, OT, Alabama – 6'6″ 342-lbs.
Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham participates in Crimson Tide pro day drills
Credit: © Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK
Originally a student-athlete at Catholic Memorial High School in Wisconsin, Latham transferred to the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida before enrolling at Alabama. A reserve guard in 2021, he was the Crimson Tide's starting right tackle the past two years, finishing his career as a first-team All-SEC selection and a second-team All-American.
At first glance, Latham looks like a security guard because of his size. He has enough agility in his frame to be a good blocker along the edge. He could move back inside, but most scouts project him as an NFL tackle.
Latham's massive size alone is enough to overwhelm some defenders. He combines that with a ferocious demeanor and good upper body mechanics. His combination of power and foot movement makes him a formidable opponent defensively.
Latham instantly sets up for pass blocking with a great anchor at the snap. He typically maintains that balance throughout the play while displaying mobility and upper body technique to counter counter moves. His stunt and blitz pickup recognition is excellent.
As a run blocker, Latham is a strong attacker. He is a drive blocker who provides immediate decisiveness and instantly creates holes. His formidable size and strength make it extremely difficult for defenders to break him out of position to get to the ball.
Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle JC Latham (65) records a pass block against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Credit:© Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Latham needs to do a better job of keeping his hands and arms at or inside his shoulders to avoid penalties. He showed improvement last year from 2022, when he pulled an eye-popping 11 flags, but it's still a concern.
While Latham is a good short-area athlete, he has yet to show he can be an effective blocker on the move. This creates problems when he is asked to pull or be the lead blocker on screens and sweeps.
Given his size, Latham can have a surprisingly difficult time maintaining blocks. He also had issues with his foot speed in pass protection with wide rush alignments.
J.C. Latham is expected to be a first-day pick, and will likely fall somewhere in the mid-to-late first round. He may have some issues early against speed rushers, but provides value right away due to his size and power. With just a little bit of work on his footwork, Latham has the upside of a Pro Bowl-caliber player at right tackle.
