Draft expert has AFC team pulling the rug out from under the Cowboys in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft
In our latest collective NFL Mock Draft here at A to Z Sports, I called the Dallas Cowboys' first-round selection a best case scenario for the team. In the mock, Alabama offensive tackle J.C. Latham fell all the way down to 24th overall and I didn't hesitate to grab him in that spot. Latham, who […]
In our latest collective NFL Mock Draft here at A to Z Sports, I called the Dallas Cowboys' first-round selection a best case scenario for the team.
In the mock, Alabama offensive tackle J.C. Latham fell all the way down to 24th overall and I didn't hesitate to grab him in that spot. Latham, who ranks 19th in the consensus board, is expected by many to not leave the Top 20. Here is my breakdown for the pick:
The Cowboys have forced themselves to pick offensive line in the first round following the departures of Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz. This is a best-case scenario with Latham, who provides great value at 24th overall. His size and length provide a ton of upside for him to develop into a top-tier lineman.
Latham should be able to transition from playing on the right side to manning the left side of the offensive line and Tyler Smith provides flexibility on whether Latham becomes a guard or stays at tackle
ESPN's Matt Bowen is making the case for Latham to go Top 15, however, by naming him an ideal fit for the Las Vegas Raiders, who are going on the clock at 13th overall later this month barring any trades.
Latham could elevate the Raiders' offensive identity under coach Antonio Pierce given his physical play style. A true road grader, he has the power to displace defenders and move the line of scrimmage, plus he has the quickness to match in pass protection.
In Vegas, Latham would project to be a starting right tackle, opposite of Kolton Miller on the left side, giving the Raiders two edges up front. In 27 career starts at Alabama, he allowed just two sacks.
I can't blame Bowen for viewing Latham with such high regard as I also consider him one of the best lineman prospects in this year's class. However, that paired with NFL insiders calling for offensive tackles to go earlier than many expect, raises some concerns about who will be there when it's the Cowboys' turn to make a pick.
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They’ll be watching closely.
