There’s been a lot of talk lately about who the Cincinnati Bengals will pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. While getting the best talent matters, picking in the first round can shape the future of a franchise. Just look at how selecting quarterback Joe Burrow in 2020 transformed the Bengals.
Many experts, including NFL Insider Mel Kiper Jr., are predicting that the Bengals will choose Byron Murphy II with the 18th pick. Murphy seems like a solid defensive tackle prospect, but adding him to the roster alongside Sheldon Rankins might create an imbalance in the team’s defensive line. This could mean one of them wouldn’t get enough playing time to justify their selection.
To get the most out of their draft, the Bengals should pick an offensive tackle, and J.C. Latham from Alabama stands out as one of the best in this draft class. While ESPN ranks him second behind Joe Alt from Notre Dame, Latham’s experience in the competitive SEC has honed his skills over four years.
Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 342 pounds, Latham fits the mold of a powerful lineman for a run-heavy offense. Despite his size, he’s praised for his pass protection skills, although he sometimes struggles against speedy edge rushers. However, with maturity and experience, he’s expected to overcome this.
Despite signing Trent Brown last month, who is expected to start at right tackle, his contract suggests he might not be fully committed. If Brown shows up out of shape, Latham could step in and start instead.
Latham’s draft stock has risen sharply, and ESPN currently ranks him as the eleventh-best prospect overall. With the uncertainty in the first fifteen picks, mainly due to the high demand for quarterbacks, the Bengals have a chance to secure a reliable offensive tackle for the future, ending their reliance on struggling free agency signings.
