2024 NFL Mock Draft: Trades impact each NFC South team's first-round selection

The Saint will send the No. 11 pick, along with their first-round pick in 2025, to the Chicago Bears to move up to the No.8 spot and the No. 34 pick in the second round. The Bears will now have multiple first-round picks in 2024 and 2025.

With the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Mocks mid-season mock draft with the NFC South, the Saints select JC Latham, an offensive tackle from Alabama. With Alt going to the Giants and Fashanu going to LA, the Saints had to make a move, picking up Lanthum, and an early second round was a great play.

JC Latham, Alabama's offensive tackle, has been an immense asset to the team this season, displaying his tact and physical strength. His capability to protect his quarterback has caught the attention of many NFL teams. His season statistics are as follows: Total Blocks - 42, Total Tackles - 52 and Total Sacks Allowed - 1.

Latham's physique is impressive: a broad frame, thick and well-rounded build, long arms, and light feet. His play strength and power are of elite level, and he has excellent coordination, balance, and agility in his pass sets, allowing him to remain balanced and hold off the QB's drop. He effectively uses his hands to keep the rushers guessing and off-balance, and he has the power to torque defenders off their feet and finish with a bang in both the run and the passing game.

Latham's athletic ability and range are impressive, allowing him to get to spots and landmarks on time with active, light and effective independent hands to disrupt the timing of rushers. His dominant play strength and commanding anchor quickly tie defenders up and end reps. He is a physical player, delivering jarring blows to adjacent defenders and displaying the ability to pick up and pass off-line games and stunts. His vulnerability to stopping his feet and drifting out of position against shifty rushers can be improved with patience and discipline.

Latham's size, power and strength allow him to create displacement on double-teams and down blocks, while his tenacious mentality and body-blow finishes make him a force to be reckoned with. However, his aggressiveness can lead to head-down whiffs against the post-snap movement. At 21, he has a striking blend of size, play strength, power and competitive toughness that could earn him a Pro Bowl in his first contract.

Time will tell how this trade works out, but getting Derek Carr some much-needed protection and an extra second-round pick could be great for the Saints.