Who is JC Latham? Alabama OT could be 2024 NFL draft candidate for Cincinnati at No. 18

With the 2024 NFL draft less than one month away, the Cincinnati Bengals are giving serious thought to which player they might select with the 18th pick in the first round.

The recent addition of Trent Brown gave the Bengals a pair of big offensive tackles. But that doesn't mean they won't consider a player like Alabama tackle JC Latham at No. 18.

"Addressing offensive tackle is a must for the Bengals, even with Trent Brown signing a one-year deal with the team," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah wrote in his mock draft. "In a draft that is stacked at the position, they should be able to stay patient and have a talented player fall to them."

Several mock drafts have predicted Latham to the Bengals on April 25 in Detroit.

What to know about Latham, who was listed as 6-foot-6 and 360 pounds during his final season at Alabama:

Latham is recovering from a left ankle injury.

Latham suffered the injury on the final play of the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl. The Crimson Tide lost to Michigan, 27-20 in overtime.

Nevertheless, Latham impressed with his effort in positional drills at the scouting combine.

"Latham was enormous at the NFL Combine and moved rather explosively in the on-field drills," CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso wrote in his mock draft. "He's the Bengals' Day 1 starter at right tackle if this is the pick."

Latham is among the top right tackle prospects, but he's said he wants to show he could also play left tackle in the NFL.

Latham has told reporters he wants to show his versatility. Also, left tackles often are selected higher in the draft because they're relied upon to protect the blindside of a right-handed quarterback.

Latham did play left tackle in high school, starting at that position for IMG Academy, which finished the 2020 season ranked No. 1 in the MaxPreps Xcellent Top 25.

Latham was a two-year starter for Alabama at right tackle.

Latham also played guard for the Crimson Tide. Pimarily a reserve during his first season at Alabama, he enjoyed a breakout game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at the Cotton Bowl on December 31, 2021.

From his rolltide.com profile:

"Saw his most extensive playing time to date, coming off the bench in the first half to replace an injured Emil Ekiyor Jr. at guard … aided the Crimson Tide up front in the line's domination of the Bearcats … helped open holes for the Tide's season-high 301 rushing yards … provided time for Bryce Young to throw for 181 yards on 17-of-28 passing and three touchdowns … UA finished with 482 yards of total offense while holding the ball for 33:41 and converting on 5-of-13 third-down chances … did not allow a sack or a hurry and only one quarterback hit."

Latham and Bengals defensive back Jordan Battle were teammates at Alabama for two seasons.

Battle played four seasons for the Crimson Tide, and was third-round pick of the Bengals in the 2023 NFL draft.

Battle is the only player currently on the Bengals' roster from Alabama.

Latham did meet with the Bengals at the scouting combine.

Latham has told reporters he's lost more than 20 pounds ahead of the draft.

"Latham has rare size (6-foot-6, 335 pounds) and power, and showed elite ability to win in both pass and run situations in college," NFL Network's Cynthia Frelund wrote. "He also showed on tape he can recover quickly on a play, which would go a long way in helping to keep Joe Burrow healthy."

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Who is JC Latham? Cincinnati may consider Alabama OT in 2024 NFL draft