There is some disagreement among experts about the value of a strong lat structure in the bench. All I can say is, I can not think of one top bencher without a great set of 'wings'.
Shoulder shrugs are also important.
These all combine to form a 'launching pad' for your press. Our school revoved around powerlifting, we went four years as State Champions in the State of Texas Div. I am currently taking 50 grams of creatine a day split up into 5-10 gram dosages a day. I have been doing this for about six months now. I give credit to about 40 pounds of my weight to my hard work and Creatine.