Raiders NFL Draft Prospects: Tackle JC Latham

The Las Vegas Raiders struck out the last time they drafted an Alabama offensive tackle in the first round, but maybe they could redeem themselves by drafting JC Latham.

The Las Vegas Raiders have had success in the NFL Draft over the past five seasons, but there have also been times that talent simply did not pan out.

Arguably their biggest bust -- when strictly viewing it from a talent standpoint -- in recent history was offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood, whom the Raiders drafted out of Alabama in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Las Vegas could very well use their first-round pick in this year's draft on an offensive tackle, and JC Latham of Alabama is among the top names. Under a new regime, maybe the Raiders could strike gold this time around.

Latham and the Crimson Tide's offensive line helped lead a top-25 scoring offense, as well as a trip back to the College Football Playoff after missing out the season before. 

As part of its run to the playoff, Alabama defeated then-No. 1 Georgia to claim the SEC title, a game in which Latham posted four knockdown blocks and did not allow a sack or a quarterback hit. He also blocked for an Alabama offense that dropped 114 rushing yards on one of the top defenses in college football.

Latham would earn All-SEC First Team honors, as well as second-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, the Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News, and Walter Camp for his 2023 season.

The star prospect finished his career with the Crimson Tide having started in the team's last 26 games between his 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Latham's 2022 campaign was quite impressive as well, as he helped lead Alabama to the nation's fourth-best scoring offense (41.1 points per game) in what was his first season as a full-time starter and only his second season of college football.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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