2024 NFL Mock Draft: One exciting first-round selection for each AFC East team
By Beau Adams
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. . JC Latham. Bills 24. JC Latham. . Alabama Crimson Tide OT. player. 16. 24
At No. 24, the Buffalo Bills are expected to move to bolster their offensive line strategically. With a keen eye on the future and the No.24 overall pick, the Bills opt for Alabama's OT JC Latham, a player known for his power and prowess in both the run game and pass protection.
Adding Latham to their roster could offer the Bills an immediate upgrade to their offensive line. His presence would provide the Bills with a much-needed boost, particularly in protecting their quarterback and allowing for the development of more extensive plays.
During the summer, conversations abounded about who would occupy the second tier of offensive tackles for the 2024 NFL Draft. Joe Alt from Notre Dame and Olumuyiwa Fashanu from Penn State were the presumptive top two, but the possibility of JC Latham from Alabama joining that tier was discussed. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 360 pounds, Latham is surprisingly elegant. He has long arms and plays with great patience, never allowing defenders to get past him.
🏈 WK7 | SEC Football Player of the Week
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) October 16, 2023
OFFENSIVE LINE: JC Latham@AlabamaFTBL x #SECFB pic.twitter.com/q39KqhpzdA
In seven starts for the Crimson Tide, he has achieved a team-high of 27 knockdowns in only six games and has allowed just one sack in 227 pass block snaps (per PFF). Over the offseason, he added 26 pounds of muscle, making him a viable option to play guard or tackle at the next level.
Should a team miss out on the top two offensive tackles in the draft, they might consider looking to Latham as an alternative. This pick will single-handedly extend the longevity and efficiency of the career of QB Josh Allen.