Editor's Note: The 2024 NFL Draft is approaching the end of April, and the draft process is in full swing as the Dallas Cowboys and other teams conduct their board meetings to identify the right players for the next level. There is. The DallasCowboys.com staff provides potential picks before the draft to give the Cowboys context on potential targets when the time comes. Next up is Texas running back Jonathan Brooks.
- name: JC Latham
- position: offensive lineman
- College: Alabama
- height, weight: 6-6 / 342 (confirmed with combine harvester)
- Combine tests: Not applicable
- Did you know that? Coming out of high school, Latham was the highest-ranked prospect in the 2024 draft (No. 3 pick, according to the 247Sports Composite). Caleb Williams is the next highest at No. 7.
A true man bulldozer, Latham has a stocky frame that also works inside, giving him versatility between left and right tackle and the guard position, but he lacks the athleticism and plus length needed to play tackle. It is equipped with He just moves defenders in the run game, as his strength of play matches his strength in the weight room throughout the game. Latham, who came out as a junior, has a bit of work to do in recognizing pass rush stunts and taking into account pre-snap schematic looks, but his ceiling is probably higher than other offensive line candidates. It's also expensive.
Latham will be an easy pick in the first round, but where exactly he will be placed remains a mystery. If the Vikings trade away from that slot (e.g., if the Chargers trade back instead of Minnesota moving up to get J.J. McCarthy and still accept a legitimate tackle), then no later than 11 There is a possibility that it will be ranked. round. For the Cowboys, whether he drops to No. 24 will likely be another team that prioritizes a different tackle like Amarius Mims or Tyler Guyton over Latham in his late teens.
Although he primarily played right tackle in college and did some guard work as a freshman, Latham insists: “The ability to be dominant regardless.” His versatility would give the Cowboys immediate flexibility. If they consider him a guard, sliding in from the left side to the right of Tyler Smith is just as good as putting Smith to the right if they expect him to be best at left tackle. It's going to be big. Either way, Latham brings a high personality, a thumping motor on the field, and a skill set not often seen in certain draft classes.
