Laiatu Latu isn’t the center of the spotlight in the 2024 NFL Draft, but his talent is top-tier.
Coming out of high school as a four-star recruit, Latu committed to the University of Washington. He played just one season there before transferring to UCLA where he would emerge as one of the best edge rushers in the nation. In 25 games with the Bruins, Latu totaled 23.5 sacks, 34 tackles for loss, and 85 total tackles. This stellar play earned him 2023 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, the Lombardi award, the Ted Hendricks award, and a unanimous All-American selection.
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Name: Laiatu Latu
Jersey: No. 15
Position: Edge Rusher
School: UCLA
Class: Senior
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 265 lbs.
Pass Rush Skills
Latu is a true technician. He has excellent hand timing and placement which gives him the ability to win at the point of attack in almost every rep. This is crucial as this means he wins leverage and can control the blocker. It’s not like he’s a one-trick pony, either. He has an arsenal of pass rush moves he can pull off which gives him the element of surprise against an opposing offensive lineman. He’s flexible enough to win against the outside shoulder and has the hands to dominate the inside shoulder, too.
Run Defense
Latu’s hands give him a huge boost in the run game. His being able to win leverage almost every rep gives him the ability to control and shed his blocker at any given moment. He knows where to find the ball, disengage, and impact the play. However, he does struggle to finish the play. His tackling is a shaky part of his game as he struggles wrapping up and bringing down ball carriers.
Explosiveness
Latu isn’t very explosive, especially compared to other edge rushers in this class. It’s good enough to not be a major issue at the next level, but it’s certainly not his cup of tea. NFL scouts won’t be in awe looking at his explosiveness.
First Step
Latu was never the first one off the line in college. He’s usually in sync with everyone but could get caught sleeping at times and react late. This should be an area of focus for Latu as he improves and develops in the NFL.
Hand Usage
From a technician standpoint, Latu is as refined as any player in this draft. His hands are spectacular; his hand placement lands inside the pads almost every time and his timing ensures he makes first contact. This rewards him leverage over the blocker. He’s also proficient at swatting away punches coming from the offensive line and catching opposing linemen off guard. It isn’t common for a college rusher to marry hand placement and timing at Latu’s level.
Bend
Latu is more than capable of winning against a blocker’s outside shoulder and a part of that is his bend. He possesses the ability to get low and flatten his pursuit angle to the quarterback. Although he didn’t use this often in college, he’s proven this can be an asset in his game.
Motor
Latu has an itch to get to the quarterback. Despite a double team or an already lost rep, Latu will relentlessly attempt to get pressure and impact the play in some way. He’s willing and has shown an effective ability to counter after his inceptive move fails to work.
Line of Scrimmage Strength
Latu is no slouch. He won’t be pushed back by a blocker and give up ground. However, he’s also not going to bully a blocker into the backfield. If he wants to be a true game wrecker, he could bulk up his frame as he struggles to create separation between himself and the blocker.
Injuries
This is by far the biggest concern with Latu. In 2021, he medically retired due to a neck injury and was threatened with paralysis if he played another snap of football. This didn’t stop Latu from grinding and making a return, but it’s still alarming. No matter how talented he is, if he doesn’t clear his physical, he’s plummeting down the draft. He could easily fall to Day 3.
Versatility
Latu is versatile enough to play in any scheme, but he was most effective as a stand-up edge rusher. This should be where he plays in the NFL if the team wants to bring out the best in him. He also dropped into coverage occasionally in college.
Player Summary
Latu is a technician, which makes him an NFL-ready prospect. However, there are areas he can refine and make himself even better which also gives him a high ceiling. His technique makes him a compelling prospect for any NFL team. However, if a single aspect of his physical looks off, an excessive drop would be imminent.
As for a potential fit, the Arizona Cardinals have just one sack over their last four games and have surrendered the most rushing yards this season. It’s been a rough showing for their fans. Latu has the capability to completely overhaul that defensive line, which they desperately need.
Latu would also fit with the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos. All these teams could use a top talent like Latu on their front seven.
Rookie Projection: High-Quality Starter
Third-Year Projection: All Pro
Player Comparison: Jaelan Phillips
Talent: Top Five
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