As he navigates his first training camp ahead of his rookie season, Tennessee Titans left tackle JC Latham is earning respect in more ways than one.
Latham has displayed impressive work ethic since joining the Titans, which has been great to see. But the 2024 first-round pick has also shown he won't back down from anyone or anything.
In his most recent training camp observations article, Jim Wyatt noted that Latham is not letting himself or his teammates get bullied by anyone, including defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons.
I've really been impressed with how rookie JC Latham handles himself. It's hard to believe he's just 21 years old. Latham puts in extra work, and he's professional in his approach. The kid doesn't back down from anything either. Here's something I noticed on Wednesday: Latham quickly jumping in to have the back of line mates Peter Skoronski and Lloyd Cushenberry, who got involved in a mini skirmish with Jeffery Simmons. Let me say this: Simmons isn't an easy guy to practice against. He talks trash, he pushes the edge, and he's not afraid to mix it up. Simmons took a swipe at Skoronski on Wednesday, and then one at Cushenberry. Latham quickly raced to the scene to confront Simmons, and he got in his face. Things were broken up pretty quickly, but it's very clear early on in camp Latham isn't going to be bullied – or let his teammates get bullied – by anyone.
Having Simmons to practice against is great for a few reasons, one of which is the most obvious: he's a great player who will prepare offensive linemen for the talent they'll face on a week-to-week basis.
But he's also an incredible trash talker and a bully, something Latham and the Titans' offensive line are going to see plenty of. Clearly the rookie is passing the test, which only earns him more respect in the eyes of his teammates and coaches.
After practicing against Simmons as much as he has, there won't be much he hasn't heard or seen when he steps on the field in Week 1.
