Wanted Alabama Star Selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 14 Pick in Latest Mock Draft
One of the biggest needs that the New Orleans Saints have to address this offseason is bolstering their offensive line. And because they have the No. 14 pick, they have a great opportunity to do so by getting one of the best young tackles in the country today.
Having said that, a few of mock drafts have New Orleans picking JC Latham in the 2024 NFL Draft because they think the standout from Alabama can boost their offensive right away the next season.
“Latham is a powerful and long offensive lineman for the Saints who can play either edge spot on the offensive line. “Immediate impact,” Chris Trapasso wrote for CBS Sports.
The New Orleans Saints’ current offensive line depth
As of this writing, the New Orleans Saints only have a few offensive linesmen who are under contract, such as Trevor Penning, Cesar Ruiz, Nick Saldiveri, Landon Young, and Ryan Ramczyk. Earlier this week, they managed to Reorganizing their center, Erik McCoy, is a wise decision all around.
Despite being selected by New Orleans with the 19th overall choice in the 2022 NFL Draft, Trevor Penning has not performed well as their left tackle. Andrus Peat, the 13th overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, has performed well for the organization despite being selected to three Pro Bowls; nonetheless, he may choose to leave this offseason.
With Ryan Ramczyk having signed a five-year, $96 million agreement with the New Orleans Saints in 2021, it leaves him as their lone competent offensive lineman. Despite only being 29 years old, his persistent knee problems are such a serious problem that they have prompted thoughts of his retirement.
How JC Latham fits in with the New Orleans Saints
NFL analysts envision JC Latham playing left tackle with Ryan Ramczyk on the right side, although he hasn’t played there that much so far. However, if Ryan Ramczyk is unavailable, Latham could slide over at the right tackle, his natural position.
Standing at 6’6″ and 360 pounds, Latham is an imposing figure. He’s a solid run-blocker, which was a primary concern for the New Orleans Saints in 2023 because they were tied for a league-worst 3.6 yards per carry.