How new Titans OT JC Latham can change an ugly narrative revolving around Nick Saban

Over the years much has been made about quarterbacks coming out of Alabama struggling to find their footing in the NFL. But a trend that doesn't garner the same amount of attention is the fact that Saban has produced just one Pro Bowl offensive lineman to be drafted in the first round since he took over at Alabama in 2007.

In his 17 seasons as the head man in Tuscaloosa, Saban churned out 10 first-round picks along the offensive line. Though that number is impressive in itself, Colts center Ryan Kelly is the lone player to have made a Pro Bowl.

First-round offensive linemen drafted in the Nick Saban era at Alabama

• Andre Smith (2009)
• James Carpenter (2012)
• Chance Warmack (2013)
• DJ Fluker (2013)
• Ryan Kelly (2016)*
• Jonah Williams (2019)
• Jedrick Wills (2020)
• Alex Leatherwood (2021)
• Evan Neal (2022)
• JC Latham (2024)

To summarize, there is about a one in three chance your favorite NFL team has been tortured by a first-round offensive linemen from Alabama. Titans fans are no stranger to the concept as Warmack spent four dissatisfying seasons in Music City.

Latham, who was the 50th draft pick to play under Saban at Alabama, has all of the tools to break this trend. It's difficult to imagine a better landing spot for a first-round offensive tackle than in Tennessee under the tutelage of offensive line guru Bill Callahan.

The Titans surrendered 29 sacks at the left tackle position alone in 2023, so the bar is on the floor. Latham has a golden opportunity to help Titans fans forget all about those shortcomings while also providing security and stability for quarterback Will Levis.

Titans fans, along with Saban, will have plenty of time to watch Latham develop as a future cornerstone in Tennessee's offense.