Titans’ First-Round Pick Gives Honest Evaluation of Offense’s Early Camp Performance.

The Tennessee Titans have officially opened training camp, and all eyes are naturally on their top draft pick, offensive tackle JC Latham, as he takes his first reps at the professional level. Latham, selected No. 7 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, is being counted on not only to anchor the offensive line but also to inject much-needed toughness, leadership, and long-term stability into a unit that has been underperforming in recent years. With such high expectations surrounding both Latham and the team’s efforts to revamp the offense under new leadership, it didn’t take long before the rookie was asked for his early impressions of the unit’s performance. True to his reputation for being direct and unfiltered, Latham didn’t hold back.

Speaking to reporters after one of the Titans’ early training camp practices, Latham gave what could best be described as a blunt—and perhaps sobering—assessment of the offense’s current state. “We’ve got a long way to go,” he said flatly. “It’s not where it needs to be yet, not even close. We’re figuring things out, and that takes time. But right now, we’ve got a lot to clean up if we want to compete.”

For many rookies, especially linemen transitioning from the college to pro game, it’s common to focus solely on personal adjustments. But Latham’s commentary extended far beyond his individual development. He addressed communication breakdowns, inconsistencies in tempo, and overall rhythm, all of which are crucial indicators of how far an offense has—or hasn’t—come in its preparations. It was a level of transparency that, while perhaps jarring for some fans or observers hoping for more optimism, gave a realistic glimpse into what training camp truly is: a place of trial, error, and slow but necessary growth.

“I’m just being real about it,” Latham added. “We’re working, nobody’s slacking. It’s not about effort—it’s about execution. There’s no shortcut to that.”

The Titans are entering a pivotal year, one in which they’re attempting to redefine their identity on offense. Under the direction of new head coach Brian Callahan and offensive coordinator Nick Holz, the team has promised a shift toward a more modern, explosive style of play. The regime change has brought with it new terminology, new schemes, and a new approach to practice and preparation. That kind of overhaul doesn’t come without its share of growing pains, and Latham’s comments reflect the reality of a team still trying to find its footing.

Quarterback Will Levis, now officially in his second year and operating as the starter heading into camp, has shown flashes of potential but is still very much in the developmental phase. The receiving corps, now featuring veteran additions and promising younger players, is adjusting to new route concepts and timing expectations. The offensive line, perhaps the biggest area of concern from last season, is undergoing another reshuffling, with Latham expected to take on a starting role at right tackle and veteran Andre Dillard moving inside or potentially battling for a roster spot.

Latham’s presence alone is meant to be a stabilizing force. At 6-foot-6 and over 330 pounds, his physicality is undeniable, and he brings a championship pedigree from his time at Alabama. But for all his tools and college accolades, even he understands that success in the NFL requires more than raw talent. His critique of the offense wasn’t rooted in negativity; rather, it came from a place of accountability—a tone that aligns with what Callahan has been preaching since he took over.

Coach Callahan, when asked about Latham’s comments, didn’t shy away from agreeing. “He’s not wrong,” Callahan said. “It’s early. We’re not in midseason form, and we’re not supposed to be. We’re installing, learning, adjusting. JC has high standards, which is what we want. That kind of honesty helps us get better.”

Holz echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that early camp practices are more about learning systems and building chemistry than producing perfection. “Execution improves with repetition,” Holz said. “The first week of camp is always a bit rough around the edges, especially with a lot of new faces and moving parts. But we’ve seen progress every day. JC is a competitor—he’s going to hold himself and everyone else to a high bar, and we welcome that.”

Indeed, for a team in transition, this type of open dialogue might be more beneficial than blind optimism. In recent years, the Titans have often been accused of papering over issues on offense, especially when it came to their struggling line and inconsistent passing game. With a new regime determined to build a sustainable foundation, transparency seems to be part of the blueprint.

Teammates have taken Latham’s candidness in stride, viewing it as a sign of maturity rather than overstepping. Veteran center Aaron Brewer praised the rookie’s forthright nature. “That’s just who he is,” Brewer said. “He’s not gonna sugarcoat things, but he’s also not throwing people under the bus. He’s included in that ‘we’ every time he talks. That’s leadership.”

Wide receiver Treylon Burks added, “I respect it. We’re all trying to get better, and sometimes you need to hear it straight.”

Latham’s ability to speak candidly while maintaining respect in the locker room may be as valuable as his skill set on the field. At a time when many rookies are just trying to fit in, he’s already asserting himself as someone who can help shape the team’s internal culture—a culture the Titans are actively trying to reset.

As for Latham’s own transition to the pros, he admitted there’s still plenty of work ahead. “I’m learning every day,” he said. “The speed, the technique, the discipline—it’s all ramped up. But I love that. It challenges me to be better.”

That mindset is likely part of the reason the Titans were drawn to him in the first place. The franchise didn’t just need a physical upgrade on the line; it needed a mentality shift. In Latham, they appear to have found both. Still, he knows better than to assume leadership is earned overnight. “You can’t just talk—you’ve got to show up, do the work, take the coaching, and earn respect through actions,” he said.

While the offense may be sputtering early in camp, there’s a broader sense of purpose underneath the surface. The playbook is new, the personnel is still jelling, and the overall vision remains a work in progress. But rather than glossing over the difficulties, Latham and the Titans are choosing to confront them head-on.

It’s a mentality that resonates across the locker room and one that could eventually help accelerate the team’s growth. It may be rough now, but if the players continue to hold each other accountable, as Latham is doing, there’s reason to believe things will begin to click as camp continues.

Training camp is a process, and with joint practices and preseason games still ahead, there’s ample time for the offense to begin hitting its stride. For now, the Titans appear to be embracing the grind, even if it comes with hard truths and tough self-assessments.

As Latham put it, “Nobody wants to peak in August. The goal is to build toward September and beyond. And that starts by being real about where we are right now.”

In that single statement, Latham may have perfectly summed up the ethos the Titans are striving for in 2025—one of honesty, grit, and growth. Whether that leads to wins in the fall remains to be seen, but at least for now, it’s clear this rookie won’t be satisfied with anything less than real improvement—and neither should the Titans.