Offensive Tackle Called 'Perfect Prospect' For Rams in 2024 NFL Draft
In a turn of events that would have been shocking before the 2023 season, the Los Angeles Rams have secured a playoff berth with a week to go in the regular season. It's been an amazing rebound season for coach Sean McVay's Rams, who went just 5-12 a season ago.
Still, it can be argued that this is the best coaching job McVay has done since taking over as the Rams coach in 2017. Yes, quarterback Matthew Stafford and defensive tackle Aaron Donald have stayed healthier than they did a season ago.
Rookie receiver Puka Nacua and second-year running back Kyren Williams have emerged as stars. But this is still a team that McVay and general manager Les Snead are retooling.
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With that in mind, Pro Football Focus recently identified a prospect for each team that would be a perfect fit for each team in the 2024 NFL Draft. As the Rams try to go from playoff participant to Super Bowl contender this upcoming offseason, Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham was picked as the ideal prospect for the Rams.
"The Rams had one of the worst rosters on paper to enter the season, but thanks to Stafford and that offense, they’re headed to the playoffs. They made do with the offensive line they currently have, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t use some upgrades, specifically at offensive tackle," PFF wrote. "Latham is a super-sized offensive tackle prospect at 360 pounds, but he moves so well for a player of his size."
Listed at 6-foot-6, 360 pounds, the 20-year-old Latham is a mountain of a human being. He was a five-star recruit out of IMG Academy in Florida. Latham was the starting right tackle for the Crimson Tide over the last two seasons, even earning a First-Team All-SEC selection in 2023.
Presumably, if the Rams drafted Latham -- who PFF ranks as the 18th best prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft class -- the plan would be to shift him back to left tackle. Incumbent right tackle Rob Havenstein will soon turn 32, but he's got an 82.3 PFF rating this year and his contract doesn't have an out until after the 2024 season.
If the Rams draft Latham or another offensive tackle, current left tackle Alaric Jackson would likely become a swing lineman.
In any event, the most overused nugget this offseason will be that the Rams finally have a first-round pick for the first time since 2016, when they selected quarterback Jared Goff No. 1 overall.
Heck, McVay was still the offensive coordinator in Washington at that time. So after a surprising run to the playoffs concludes, Rams fans can get invested in the NFL Draft in a way they haven't been able to in quite some time.
