The Cincinnati Bengals (like every other team in the NFL) are actively watching the NFL Combine that has been going on this week. While most of the analysis on this years draft class will be taken from game film, the combine provides raw athletic data on the players that can’t be seen on tape. Many players over the history of the game have been made or crushed in the combine process and this year is no different. It should be every players goal to cement their draft spot in the draft to show off just how talented they are.
Expected Bengals Draft Pick Puts on a Show at the Combine
Cincinnati has made headlines this week after being the only team with their entire coaching and scouting department present at the Combine. Some of that man power has been to scout out the impressive list of offensive tackles that are available this draft class. Luckily for Cincinnati, one of those offensive tackles put on an impressive display in the fourth day of the Combine. ESPN’s NFL Draft Expert Jordan Reid had the following analysis on Alabama offensive tackle J.C. Latham:
“Latham took part only in the on-field work, but he helped himself before it even began. The weigh-in was a huge win for Latham, as he measured 6-foot-5 and 342 pounds after being originally listed at 360. And he seemed lighter on his feet during the workout. Watching him in the “mirror” drill was one of my favorite parts of the day — it tests lateral agility and reactive skills, and Latham was quick and didn’t waste much movement. Those movements skills at his weight — combined with his power — make him a lock for Day 1. Considering their needs at tackle, the Bengals (No. 18) and Steelers (No. 20) would be great fits for him.”
While there have been a long list of high profile offensive lineman that come into the combine slow and out of shape, Latham actually dropped 18 pounds coming into the combine and put on an impressive athletic display. Considering the fact that Latham was considered an athletic offensive tackle at 360 pounds, the 342 pound version performing excellent in the mirror drill is a terrific sign for Cincinnati.
Latham appears to have an excellent combination of size and athleticism that would fit in well on Cincinnati’s pass heavy offense. Although he seems to fit the perfect profile for a mauler in the run game, Latham is renowned for his pass blocking technique which makes him a potentially invaluable asset on the right corner of the offensive line.
Cincinnati is in desperate need of a functional offensive tackle on the right side of the offensive line after starting right tackle Jonah Williams leaves this offseason. The addition of Latham will give Cincinnati the biggest offensive tackle available in the NFL Draft this offseason but will also give a dramatic boost in athleticism on the offensive front.
For More Football News:
Follow me on Twitter at @Super_Squatch76. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here! If there is a topic you’d like me to cover or a question you’d like to ask, feel free to contact me at my email timothy.mcbride76@gmail.com.