UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu 2024 NFL Draft Profile

Laiatu Latu, EDGE Height/Weight: 6-4, 261 Age: 23 School Name: UCLA Senior Bowl: Yes Shrine Bowl: No YearTOTSACKFF2019150.50Laiatu Latu Washington StatsESPN YearTOTSACKF20223610.53202349132Laiatu Latu UCLA StatsESPN Pros Hand usageWins with strong but swift hands that can knock off opposing grips or swipe away initial contactPass rush planDisplays an arsenal of pass-rush moves rarely seen by college […]

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer
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Jan 31, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National edge Laiatu Latu of UCLA (15) breaks the defensive huddle during practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Laiatu Latu, EDGE

Height/Weight: 6-4, 261

Age: 23

School Name: UCLA

Senior Bowl: Yes

Shrine Bowl: No

YearTOTSACKFF

2019

15

0.5

0

Laiatu Latu Washington Stats
ESPN
YearTOTSACKF

2022

36

10.5

3

2023

49

13

2

Laiatu Latu UCLA Stats
ESPN

Pros

  • Hand usage
    Wins with strong but swift hands that can knock off opposing grips or swipe away initial contact
  • Pass rush plan
    Displays an arsenal of pass-rush moves rarely seen by college players. Comes in day one with a developed set of moves
  • Run defense
    Not just a pass rusher. Can hold up at the point, set edges and split double teams to disrupt the backfield

Cons

  • Injury History
    Already off some team's boards due to a medical history that includes a serious neck injury that forced him to retire for a while
  • Build
    Tweener body type and play these that may come with an adaptation period in the NFL
  • Bend
    Has trouble flattening his rush path and bending the corner to finish the rep once he’s cleared the tackle-guard

Eval:

Latu is an intriguing prospect given his NFL-ready skillset that displays excellent hand usage and a plethora of pass rush moves.

But outside of scheme fits and build concerns, teams will have serious questions about whether or not he’s even draft-able due to his injury history.

Needless to say, the combine and subsistent medical testing will be influential in his draft positioning come April.

Ceiling Comp: Trey Hendrickson

Heavy end with the ability to win against slower tackles, heavy guards and be functional against the run

Destin Adams’ Latest Big Board Ranking: (7th Overall, 2nd EDGE)

James Foster’s Latest Big Board Ranking: (22nd Overall, 3rd EDGE)

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