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Titans rookie JC Latham is already doing something most NFL veterans can't

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Sam Phalen | Last updated Oct 10, 2024 5:14 PM ET

After becoming a polarizing Top 10 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, rookie left tackle JC Latham is off to a great start in his Tennessee Titans career.

Latham has been a dominant force after a shaky debut. The rookie has allowed a total of four pressures in his last three games. He has not allowed a sack or QB hit in those games and has only been penalized once.

The former Alabama offensive tackle is also excelling at doing something most NFL veterans can't: Beating a bull-rush.

With new data tracked by Pro Football Focus, "Anchor Rate" is being used in 2024 to track which NFL offensive linemen perform best against a bull-rush. Latham has a perfect 100 percent success rate on 16 bull-rush snaps.

Only 12 total offensive linemen are still sitting at 100 percent. Only eight of those 12 are offensive tackles and only five play on the left side. Tristan Wirfs (TB), Ronnie Stanley (BAL), Rashawn Slater (LAC), Cornelius Lucas (WAS), JC Latham (TEN). That's the list.

Latham is already with some elite company on that list. The rookie's development is off to an impressive start under the guidance of offensive line coach Bill Callahan.

The Titans may have issues on the right side of the line right now...and those are a serious concern for the safety of Will Levis and success of the offense. But early returns on Latham point to Tennessee having a big-money franchise left tackle. That will pay dividends moving forward.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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