JC Latham, well recognized as the pivotal right tackle of Alabama, has recently stated his ambition to transition to a left tackle ahead of the NFL Draft.
With numerous knockdown blocks under his belt, Latham has earned a solid reputation for his physical style, one that has caught the attention of NFL talent evaluators nationwide.
On Saturday at the scouting combine, Latham revealed his hope to transition as a left tackle as well.
This new career aspiration emerges from his desire to amplify his draft standing, which he believes could subsequently lead to a more lucrative contract.
“I"m waiting to see if I"m asked to do anything out of a left tackle stance," said Latham, who is the No. 22 player on ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr."s Big Board. “I would do that so I can show my versatility."
“Obviously it"s a question mark, I"m a right tackle," said Latham, responding to the curiosity surrounding his new aspiration. "So, you know, usually tackles taken extremely high are left tackles. I feel I can break that kind of narrative, and also it would help me showcase my ability to play left [tackle]. I have the ability to be dominant regardless."
Alabama right tackle JC Latham wants NFL teams to see him as a left tackle. https://t.co/pdrQutZdtq
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 3, 2024
The 6-foot-6, 335-pound right tackle secured his position as a first-team All-SEC tackle last year, adding a significant feather to his cap.
Notably, his powerful, aggressive style in the run game often results in competition moments for his opponents.
Alabama coaches graded him with a staggering 41 knockdown blocks in 813 snaps last season, which averages to about 3.2 per game.
And according to Latham, he can bring that same level of dominance as a left tackle.
“Being physical, being aggressive, the willingness to attack at any given moment, that"s just the mentality that I had," Latham said. “If I"m at left, I"m still going to be aggressive."
While Latham"s vision may be met with skepticism by some, his promising track record as a right tackle and his razor-sharp focus on improving his prowess as a left tackle augur well for his future pursuits.
