Steelers mock draft round one: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
This is one of my favorite fits in this draft class for the Steelers. While there are a few top-level center options, I don’t believe any of them have the potential that JC Latham has at a more valuable position. Centers tend to fall in the draft, so I will bank on that and try to land an elite offensive tackle.
In a normal draft where you have two or three great tackles, I don’t think there is a shot that a player like Latham falls to pick 20. He is a refined player who uses his size well to bully defenders. While he has some experience on either side of the line, his build makes a lot of sense for a right tackle, which is a plus for this offense.
Latham is as close to a perfect prospect as you could want for this team. They like their tackles big and long, and Latham fits both of those molds. While Armarius Mims has the better size overall, Latham is by far the better player right now. He is plug-and-play and has the potential to develop a top tackle.
I know this is a sacrifice not taking a center, but tackle is the more premium position and the top of this draft is full of elite-level tackle prospects. Latham could quickly become a top tackle in the league and bookend Broderick Jones as a pair of talented blockers for the next few years. I will take my chances on finding a center on day two.