NEWSLETTER
As the top-30 visits continue to roll through Halas Hall, I can say — with confidence — few will be bigger than Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham.
And I mean that in both the literal and figurative sense.
Latham checked in at 6-foot-6 and 342 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine in March. And soon, he will take a trip to Halas Hall. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports Latham is set for a visit with the Chicago Bears this week. Latham joins LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., Texas receiver Xavier Worthy, and UCLA edge defender Laiatu Latu as prospect who were on the list of known players who will visit the Bears this week. It’s a good group, to say the least.
Who is JC Latham and why are the Bears using a top-30 visit on him?
The following pull quote is a snippet from Lance Zierlein’s NFL Draft profile overview of JC Latham. And it is as drool-worthy as they get for offensive lineman:
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 a variety of run schemes but will be an average move blocker both laterally and when climbing to the second level. His pass sets are well-balanced with 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.
It’s giving Darnell Wright vibes, isn’t it?
Matt Rooney’s latest Bleacher Nation mock draft has Latham going to the Green Bay Packers with the No. 15 pick after a trade with the Colts. Gross. After reading up on Latham’s game, I hope that doesn’t happen. How much help does Jordan Love need anyway? *eye roll*
Latham is one of the most interesting offensive lineman prospects in this draft class. A projected first-round pick, Latham was a two-year starter at right tackle for Alabama. And for what it’s worth, the Oak Creek (Wis.) native played his best ball for the Crimson Tide in 2023. Latham earned first-team All-SEC honors in his final year on campus before declaring for the NFL Draft. Given his large frame (6-6, 342 pounds), long arms (35-1/8 inches),and big hands (11 inches), I can see why the Bears would want to bring him in for a visit.
And don’t let the right tackle or guard projection keep you from being into Latham as a Bears fit. Because in addition to having size, skills, and first-team all-conference recognition, Latham also has going for him a willingness to learn. Not only could this bode well for his NFL future, it also helps make sense of why the Bears are hosting him for a visit at Halas Hall.
Latham, who was a high school left tackle, played guard and right tackle at Alabama to accommodate Evan Neal — who is now with the New York Giants. Like any lineman hungry to dish out pancakes, Latham jumped at the opportunity. But at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Latham told reporters (h/t ESPN) that he was waiting for teams to ask him about playing left tackle so he can show of his potential versatility (and help his draft stock). I imagine the Bears would explore that idea while Latham is in town.
Wide receiver and defensive end are high-priority needs the Bears still need to fill. But I wouldn’t be opposed to adding another offensive lineman to the mix. Sure, that could complicate things with incumbent starters such as left tackle Braxton Jones or guard Teven Jenkins. However, protecting presumptive No. 1 pick quarterback Caleb Williams should be atop the Bears’ to-do list moving forward. And if Chicago’s front office thinks Latham is a clear upgrade from someone currently on the roster, then the Bears should explore those opportunities if they come in the draft.
