'Dream!' Jets Draft Target Reacts to Combine Meeting, Playing with Rodgers
The New York Jets have an offensive line problem, and it’s one they seem increasingly likely to address with the 10th pick in April’s NFL Draft.
While Penn State’s Olu Fashanu and Notre Dame’s Joe Alt rank higher among the consensus, a smattering of tackles have played (and tested) themselves into the first-round conversation. Another handful of linemen may become top-15 picks.
One such prospect is Alabama Crimson Tide right tackle JC Latham.
Sep 2, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) throws behind a block by offensive lineman JC Latham (65) against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
While not the only reason for his hype, Latham’s trump card is his Herculean play strength. He’s made a habit of finishing defenders into the underworld and scaring the life out of linebackers that lie in his path.
With tackle-needy teams ahead of them, it’s more than possible his ability to bulldoze lands him on the right side of New York’s line. The Jets, unsurprisingly, did their due diligence at the NFL Scouting Combine, meeting with the highly touted tackle.
“It was a great meeting,” he said. “I really jelled with the whole coaching staff. We went over the film — good, bad, ugly. I got to know them and they got to know me and my background. So it really was a great time.”
Latham would be a plug-and-play option on the right side, but versatility is another one of his strengths. Some consider him a better fit sliding inside, where his strength may be even more important, and others believe the blindside is where he will ultimately end up.
While that would give New York multiple options in the long term, that instant impact at a valuable position is unlikely to be passed over.
Of course, being taken by the Jets means blocking for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who missed almost the entirety of 2023. With his return comes the hype and expectations that followed him from Green Bay.
That won’t take Latham — who watched him as a child — by surprise.
“I grew up in Milwaukee, so I definitely was watching them a whole lot. Just seeing the incredible plays he made and the offense when he was with Green Bay was unreal," Latham said. He described the idea of playing with Rodgers as something that "would definitely be a dream."
While he might not be the best-case scenario for New York, his SEC pedigree, physical tools, and encouraging film would make him a welcome addition to a Jets offense that is in desperate need of reinforcements.
