The Tennessee Titans have plenty of questions heading into the 2026 season, but ESPN believes one player could have a bigger impact on the team's performance than has been discussed throughout the offseason. That player is right tackle JC Latham.
In ESPN's annual look at the NFL's biggest X factors, Latham was identified as Tennessee's player to watch in 2026. It's a significant designation for a player entering his third NFL season after being selected seventh overall by the Titans in the 2024 NFL Draft.
With a less-than-stellar beginning to his career and an important decision coming on his fifth-year option next offseason, the time is now for Latham to prove he should be a long-term starter in Tennessee. Now, with Cam Ward entering his second
season and Brian Daboll leading the offense, Latham's performance could have a direct impact on the Titans' ability to build around their young quarterback.
A breakout from Latham could change the Titans’ outlook
The Titans need a breakout from Latham to shore up a key position on their offensive line. Since former first-round starter Jack Conklin left during the 2020 offseason, right tackle has arguably been the Titans’ worst position.
After Tennessee established their young franchise difference makers at quarterback and wide receiver (Carnell Tate) in their last two first-round selections, getting the selection the year before those two on track would be beneficial. Latham has had a rough start due to switching to left tackle during his rookie season, then back to right tackle while battling injuries during his second season last year.
That’s why ESPN’s X-factor designation carries significance. If Latham takes the expected leap in 2026, Tennessee could have a much more dependable offensive line protecting Ward. For Latham, it all starts with proving that the Titans were right to make him the number seven overall pick two years ago by playing like a top-10 pick.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: ESPN has surprising pick for Titans' X factor in 2026
