NASHVILE – JC Latham can't say he wasn't warned.
Leading up to and during his rookie season, the Titans offensive lineman said those around him told him to watch his weight, how it could sneak up on him if he wasn't careful.
When Latham was feeling good, and playing well, he wasn't overly concerned.
But the team's first-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft didn't play up to his own expectations as his rookie season neared an end. He was especially troubled by his performance against the Texans during the second half of the year.
So, when the season ended, he made it a point to get his weight in order and come back in much better shape for 2025, when he'll switch from left tackle to right tackle.
"I felt a lot heavier, and slower (at the end of the year), and it was embarrassing for me," said Latham, who started all 17 games at left tackle last season. "That's when I had a talk with (offensive line coach) Bill (Callahan) about the level, and the standard that we want to play at, and that I can hold myself to, that I know I can play at.
"So going into the offseason my biggest focus was to get into a lot better shape and lose a lot of weight."
The 6-foot-6 Latham, who is listed at 342 pounds on the team's current roster sheet, said he ballooned to "365 to 370 pounds" at the end of last year.
Latham said he currently weighs 337 pounds, which was below the team's goal of being in the 340-345 range, and he wants to play at 325 pounds in 2025.
"Looking at a lot of the top tackles in the league," Latham said, "the majority of them are 320-325, or anywhere less, depending on their play style. So, I know they wanted me at 340, but we talked about it, getting to that 325-range is where I need to be."
Latham said he changed his diet after meeting with nutrition coordinator Lauren Silvio, and he got a plan for an ideal weight. He began counting the calories he can consume each day, and he followed a meal plan. He's cut out fast food, and is now eating more fish, and granola bars.
He can tell a difference in the weight loss in the offseason program.
"The conditioning, the running in between," Latham said. "In plays, in drills, being able to finish a lot longer, move a lot more fluid, the foot speed. Everything (feels better) because when you have weight on you it is going to slow you down in your movement."
In addition to his weight change, Latham is also changing positions.
With the addition of veteran Dan Moore Jr., who will play left tackle, Latham is now working at right tackle, a position he played at the University of Alabama.
Latham said he's happy with the switch, and he feels comfortable.
"I'm a team player, so wherever they need me to play, I'll play anywhere," Latham said. "It's all about the team and whatever I can do to help the team win, it's what it's all about it."
