Titans NFL Draft grades: Experts all over the board with J.C. Latham selection

With the seventh pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans selected J.C. Latham, an offensive tackle out of Alabama. They were thrown for a loop when the Chargers took Joe Alt two picks prior but went with who they believed to be the next-best tackle in Latham.

Titan Sized's own Will Lomas was not a fan of the pick and gave the selection of Latham a D. Some of the draft pundits were also confused by the Titans' first-round draft choice but others thought it was a solid pick.

2024 NFL Draft Grades: Experts are split on Titans taking J.C. Latham

Mel Kiper Jr, ESPN: Head-scratching move

Let's start with a negative review of the Titans' selection. Kiper included the Titans' pick of Latham in his "head-scratching moves" section of his column. He mentioned that he likes Latham as a prospect but that this was a confusing move for Tennessee.

"Yes, offensive line was their biggest need, but this isn't great value. In back-to-back drafts, Tennessee now has taken a right tackle and guard in the top 11. It still has a void at left tackle, too. Now, it sounds like the Titans are going to try Latham there, but it's not a lock that he's an above-average blindside protector."

- Mel Kiper Jr.

PFF: Good

The PFF team didn't give out actual grades but said the Titans' pick of Latham was good. The write-up mentioned that the team desperately needed help at offensive tackle and they were thrown for a loop when Joe Alt's name was called two picks prior.

"Few teams had a more glaring need than the Titans did at offensive tackle. With Joe Alt off the board, Tennessee tabbed Latham as the top remaining tackle. The Alabama product is a massive physical presence, weighing in at 343 pounds with 35-plus-inch arms, and he earned an 80.0-plus pass-blocking grade in back-to-back seasons to finish his college career."

- PFF

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: B+

This feels like a fair letter grade for the pick. As Prisco notes, the Titans desperately need a left tackle yet Latham plays right tackle. Will they end up playing him at left tackle anyway?

"He is a right tackle and they need a left tackle, so it will be interesting to see how they play it. But he's a violent player wherever he plays. They cross-train at Alabama at both left and right, so he should be able to make a smooth transition. "

- Pete Prisco

The Athletic: B

Another grade where the position is right but the player might not have been the right choice. As noted, Latham was a right tackle and the Titans need a left tackle. What happens now?

"Tennessee absolutely needed a tackle as part of its offensive line reconstruction, and Latham has the potential to become an anchor for a decade. But is this the right spot for him? He was a right tackle at Alabama, and the Titans have a glaring need at left tackle. If Latham can make that move, it’s perfect. If not, this becomes a question mark."

- The Athletic