2024 NFL Draft: Bears showing interest in first-round offensive tackle

The Chicago Bears are hosting Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle JC Latham on a pre-draft 30 visit. All NFL teams are permitted to host 30 prospects via in-person visits at their facility. Latham will be visiting Chicago on Tuesday and Wednesday according to a report from Adam Schefter. He’s a potential target for Bears general manager Ryan Poles with the No. 9 overall selection.

Another Bears visit: Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham is visiting Tuesday night and Wednesday with Chicago. https://t.co/DlnCzNHUoV

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 8, 2024

Latham is a mammoth offensive tackle prospect that possesses the size, strength, and athletic movement skills necessary to develop into a Pro Bowl tackle. He projects as a potential top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Bears Talk has spoken with NFL scouts that rank Latham as the second or third best tackle in the class. Latham’s grip strength and raw power make him a plug-and-play prospect.

Chicago’s interest in Latham is particularly intriguing given that he primarily played right tackle at Alabama, and that’s likely his position at the next level as well. The Bears drafted Darnell Wright to shore up the right tackle position last season. If the Bears draft Latham, they either believe he’s capable of protecting Caleb Williams’ blindside, or they’re open to moving Wright to left tackle. Neither scenario feels particularly likely, but with the No. 9 pick at their disposal, the Bears are doing their homework on a consensus top 10 prospect.

Latham opted out of performing athletically at the NFL Combine. The Crimson Tide standout measured in at nearly 6-foot-6 and 342 pounds with 35.12 inch arms and a 84.38 inch wingspan. Latham’s two-day visit with the Bears signals legitimate interest in his services.