It took one game for a top Titans rookie to showcase serious growth

Tennessee Titans rookie left tackle JC Latham struggled in his NFL debut, a Week 1 defeat to the Chicago Bears. The No. 7 overall selection in the 2024 Draft was credited with allowing five total pressures, tying for the team-high mark with his left-sided partner, sophomore guard Peter Skoronski. Latham's five pressures were broken up into two hurries, two quarterback hits, and one sack, per Pro Football Focus.

Latham was assigned a pass-blocking grade of just 45.1. It was the team's second-lowest grade among Bill Callahan's starting five, trailing just Skoronski and his 36.0 overall score. Latham struggled despite avoiding the Bears' best pass rusher Montez Sweat, who spent the majority of his reps rushing on the right side.

Latham's debut was fairly par for the course. He performed like a first-year offensive tackle making his first official appearance. The tape didn't indicate anything overly concerning. He's simply learning to navigate what NFL defensive coordinators and pass rushers are targeting him with.

And it turns out Latham was far better against the New York Jets in Week 2.

Latham's Week 2 improvement

The Titans suffered another disappointing defeat in Week 2, largely due to more boneheaded turnovers from quarterback Will Levis, more blocked punts, and another putrid overall performance by the offensive line. Latham (and Skoronski, for what it's worth) showcased legitimate growth.

Latham was credited with allowing just one single pressure (a hurry). His pass-pro grade of 76.2 was second-highest on the Titans, trailing just Skoronski and his team-high 80.2. Levis was still pressured at an alarming rate, per Next Gen Stats, but it was the right side of the line, specifically Dillon Radunz and Nicholas Petit-Frere, that were to blame.

And Latham was a legitimate force multiplier in the run game. The Titans out-gained the Jets 130-101 on the ground with Tony Pollard, Levis, and Tyjae Spears combining for 120 of those yards. Latham had reps such as this one where he downright dominated Jets defenders.

As No Flags Film noted, Latham showcased technically advanced hands in pass protection, displayed a strong anchor, and possessed enough foot speed to protect the corner. The Jets are thin on edge-rushing talent at the moment with Haason Reddick holding out, but it's worth noting so are the Bears, who gave Latham issues in Week 1.

The Titans desperately need Latham to develop into a franchise left tackle after the struggles they went through to find Taylor Lewan's replacement in 2022 and 2023. Latham showed desirable growth after just one poor performance. Now if only the rest of the offensive line could achieve something similar.