JC Latham gives Roger Goodell a bear hug after going to Titans

Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Alabama OT JC Latham gives Roger Goodell a bear hug after going No. 7 overall to Titans

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 4/25/24

Perhaps Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham didn't get the memo about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's back surgery.

After Latham went No. 7 overall to the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night, the 6-foot-6, 342-pounder lifted Goodell. On his X account, ESPN's Adam Schefter noted the commissioner underwent back surgery three weeks ago, casting some doubt about his ability to give hugs during the draft.

The @Titans take JC Latham at No. 7, and he loved every second of his walk to the Draft stage

: #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/OaGwXlP9u6
— NFL (@NFL) April 26, 2024

Latham probably shouldn't have picked up Goodell, but who can blame him? He was excited, and rightfully so.

Overall, this seems like a solid pick for the Titans. Per Pro Football Focus, Latham only allowed two sacks in 14 games in 2023, earning first-team All-SEC honors. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. rated him as the second-best OT prospect behind Notre Dame's Joe Alt.

"Latham is a mountain of an offensive tackle who is light on his feet. I really like the way he explodes out of his stance. He's tough at the point of attack," wrote Kiper. "He blows defenders off the line of scrimmage in the run game, driving and sustaining his blocks in space."

Latham should give Titans quarterback Will Levis better pass protection. In nine starts in his rookie season, the 24-year-old was sacked 28 times.

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