The Tennessee Titans have made notable changes to their offensive line for the 2024 season, including the JC Latham Titans position change, shifting their first-round pick from left tackle to right tackle. This adjustment follows the team’s offseason signings aimed at strengthening their offensive front and ensuring better protection for their quarterback.
During the offseason, the Titans addressed their offensive line needs by signing veteran guard Kevin Zeitler from the Detroit Lions on a one-year, $9 million contract. Additionally, former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. joined Tennessee on a significant four-year deal worth $82 million, with $50 million guaranteed. These moves solidified the guard and left tackle spots, prompting the team to move JC Latham to right tackle.
Insights on JC Latham’s Transition to Right Tackle
JC Latham played right tackle at the University of Alabama before taking on the left tackle position with the Titans last season. Former Titans left tackle Brad Hopkins, who was with the franchise from 1993 to 2005, shared his perspective on Latham’s position change, emphasizing that it suits Latham’s natural abilities.
“It’s not like JC doesn’t have the ability to play left tackle,”
Hopkins told Athlon Sports.
Sometimes, we are just better suited to play right tackle. I think with the reps he got in college, he played right tackle. Which means he probably has less adaptation to doing things differently if he is going back to his natural position.
Hopkins believes that moving Latham to right tackle is a strategic decision aimed at positioning him for success. This view is supported by the organization’s confidence in maximizing Latham’s strengths by placing him in a role he is more comfortable with.
The fact that they moved him over there, that says that they wanted to put him in the most comfortable position they felt he could be in to be successful,
Hopkins added.
Team Strategy and Offensive Line Improvement
The Titans’ commitment to upgrading their offensive line with experienced signings and internal adjustments reflects a broader strategy to protect their quarterback, presumably Cam Ward, better. The insertion of Kevin Zeitler at right guard fills a previously uncertain spot, while Dan Moore Jr. is expected to anchor the left tackle position and protect the blind side.
According to Hopkins, these improvements will bring more time and security for the quarterback to execute plays. The transitions made during the offseason, including Latham’s shift to right tackle, are seen as necessary steps to enhance the line’s overall performance.
The Outlook for Tennessee’s Offensive Line in 2024
With the revamped offensive line in place, the real question is whether these changes will translate into success on the field this season. JC Latham’s position change represents a careful alignment of talent and team needs, and the organization’s investment signals high expectations. How well this reshaped line protects the quarterback and opens lanes will be crucial to the Titans’ offensive effectiveness in 2024.