2024 Chicago Bears Draft Target: JC Latham |
When you look at the current state of the Bears roster and some of their needs, three things jump out. First and foremost, Chicago needs a new quarterback next season, and barring a shocking twist, Caleb Williams will be that man. The next areas the Bears need to address are adding more pass-rushing help, which they should get, and continuing to beef up that offensive line.
All three can be done in the draft, which is something the Bears hope to do. For this team to be where they want to be come January, they need to get more physical up front and do a better job protecting the man throwing the ball. What better way to get more physical than by hosting one of the more physical offensive linemen in this year's class, JC Latham? Latham is a massive human, and when we say massive, we mean massive, as he stands 6-6 and weighs 342 pounds. As part of the Bears 30 prospect visits, Latham joins a long list and will be in Halas Hall at some point this week. Whether that means anything to the casual fan or not is up to them, but typically, teams bring in players for visits that they have some interest in drafting. Latham may not be as talked about as some of the other offensive linemen in this season's class, but he is the biggest of them all and arguably the most physical. Take this from Lance Zierlein’s scouting report on him. Bulldozer in human form with the upper- and lower-body power to forcibly evacuate run lanes and instantly upgrade a team’s ground attack. Latham’s body type is girthy, and he has elite drive-blocking talent. He has operated in various run schemes but will be an average move blocker laterally and when climbing to the second level. His pass sets are well-balanced, and he has good initial quickness and active hands. Latham’s size, strength, and talent give him a chance to become a heralded right tackle or Pro Bowl-caliber guard. Can you imagine the love he would get in Chicago if the Bears wound up drafting him? He is just what this team needs up front and would fit in very well in the city of Chicago. As of now, most mock drafts have him going between 13-15, but with the Bears picking No. 9, it's not out of the question that they surprise some and go with him there. Would that be a reach? Maybe slightly, but you can't overlook the sheer size and potential with him, as that alone makes him an intriguing option. An Oak Creek, Wisconsin Native, Latham was a multi-year starter for the Crimson Tide but did play his best ball for them this past season. Latham earned first-team All-SEC honors in his final year on campus, and given his large frame and overall length, you can see why the Bears have decided to bring him in for a visit. The size may be the thing that most scouts will talk about, but pay attention to the versatility he brings with him. A Right Tackle by trade, Latham has shown the ability to play the Guard position and is willing to learn a new position if needed. That type of versatility is perfect for this Bears team and is required for teams to reach the promised land of a deep playoff run. Latham, a high school left tackle, played guard and right tackle at Alabama to accommodate Evan Neal — now with the New York Giants. When asked where he feels the most comfortable, Latham had a surprising answer as he told reporters at the combine that he likes left tackle. Should someone inquire about that, and he can prove he can play the left tackle position, his draft stock will instantly soar, as that versatility is second to none in this league.
