The Tennessee Titans selected offensive tackle JC Latham with the No. 7 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Then-general manager Ran Carthon entered last offseason with a massive need at tackle, and came away with Latham. The former University of Alabama blocker enjoyed an up-and-down rookie season, but certainly flashed the potential and upside to develop into a high-end player after delivering satisfactory results throughout his debut season.
Latham was ultimately credited with allowing seven sacks and 47 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. He was a high-effort solution for the majority of the campaign at a massive position of need for Brian Callahan's offense. Despite that, Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team has the Titans going in a different direction in his latest 2024 NFL re-draft article.
Redraft articles offer the benefit of hindsight. The Titans certainly wish they had a mulligan on several of their recent first-round picks, Treylon Burks, Isaiah Wilson, and Caleb Farley included. Latham doesn't belong with that group. Despite that, Mosher has the Titans drafting tight end Brock Bowers in his 2024 redraft.
Titans select Brock Bowers in 2024 NFL Re-Draft
"The Tennessee Titans don’t have a massive need at tight end, but Brock Bowers is too good of a player to pass up at this spot," Mosher wrote. "He set the record for most receiving yards by a rookie tight end in NFL history and is already one of the league’s top playmakers."
Mosher is correct that the Titans don't have a sizable need at tight end. The coaching staff has been satisfied with the outputs they've received from young players Chig Okonkwo and Josh Whyle. Veteran Nick Vannett, now on an expired contract, was in the No. 3 specialized blocking tight end role last season. While the overall room is stellar, it certainly wouldn't prevent the Titans from adding an elite playmaker like Bowers.
Bowers set the single-season NFL record for receptions by a rookie tight end in 2024 with 112. He also set the record for receiving yards by a rookie tight end with 1,914, shattering an achievement held by the legendary Mike Ditka since 1961. He even broke Puka Nacua's rookie receptions record.
Would the Titans draft Bowers ahead of Latham? We're not convinced. Bowers is undoubtedly a better overall prospect, but he plays a non-premium position, and the Titans had a huge need at offensive tackle. They still have one this offseason, at right tackle. New general manager Mike Borgonzi is likely appreciative that Latham addressed a major requirement.