Potential Texans Target JC Latham Plans To Work Out Both Tackle Spots
Despite inking Tytus Howard to a three-year extension before the start of training camp last summer, and despite having arguably the best blindside blocker in All-Pro Laremy Tunsil, the Houston Texans seem to be in the market for an offensive tackle.
At least it's what a handful of mocks have the AFC South champs targeting in the first round at No. 23.
A common name on the hit list is Alabama right tackle JC Latham, who started three seasons and was teammates with current Texans standouts Will Anderson Jr., Christian Harris and John Metchie.
Latham, who spent two years on the right side of the line, began his career at left guard with the intent to replace Evan Neal at left tackle. Instead, Nick Saban chose to move to the other while Tyler Steen took over full-time.
But Latham said Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis he hopes to show he can be a potential option for a team at left tackle for the long haul. Even if teams see him better on the right side, Latham hopes to at least peak interest.
"I'm waiting to see if I'm asked to do anything out of a left tackle stance,'' said Latham said. "I would do that so I can show my versatility.''
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Left tackles are often viewed as the more "dominant" linemen due to their pass protection consistencies when working with right-handed quarterbacks. In today's NFL, teams need two bookends to flourish, as evident by the four remaining teams in the championship round following the Texans' 34-10 loss.
History bodes well for offensive tackles destined for the left side — draft positioning at least. Since 2016, only two primary right tackles have been the first prospect taken at the position.
"I feel I can break that kind of narrative and also it would help me showcase my ability to play left [tackle]," said Latham. "I have the ability to be dominant regardless.''
Howard recently changed his "X", formerly known as Twitter to 'RIGHT TACKLE ONLY for the Houston Texans' after dealing with position flexibility on and off for three seasons. Due to injury, the former first-round pick shifted inside to left guard to begin the year before being locked into the spot under his season-ending knee injury.
"He played for us while he was hurt," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Tuesday. "He stepped in for us at left guard when that wasn't his position. I really appreciate Tytus for that. He was unselfish, stepping in when we needed him. He was like 'Hey coach, wherever you need me, I'm ready to step in and help us win.' It's that type of mentality."
Ryans didn't confirm if Howard would stay at right tackle or if the team could be in the market for another option. The Texans must add depth behind the starting five with six players hitting free agency, including 2023 starter George Fant.
Latham, who started his final two seasons at left tackle at IMG Academy, said once he arrived on campus, he wanted to get to work. That led to the first of two position switches en route to helping the Crimson Tide make two College Football Playoff appearances.
"I just jumped in right away and played a little bit of guard,'' Latham said. "... Wherever I'm needed to play, I'll adapt and get the job done.''
Latham said he suffered an ankle injury on the final play of the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal against Michigan. While he won't be participating in the 40-yard dash or jumping drills, Latham plans to do those drills out of both tackle stances.
Scouts believe Latham is better suited for right tackle due to his steamrolling play style against defenders in the run game. Latham believes you need that type of mentality on both sides of the fence, and isn't concerned about losing part of his demeanor.
"The willingness to attack at any given moment, that's just the mentality that I had,'' Latham said. "If I'm at left I'm still going to be aggressive.''
