UCLA Football: Laiatu Latu Taken By Recent SB Champions in Latest NFL Mock Draft

Matt Levine | Mar 29, 2024

NFL Combine / Kevin Sabitus/GettyImages

UCLA Bruins defensive edge rusher Laiatu Latu has been making all sorts of noise throughout the NFL Draft process, as he is expected to be selected within the first round. Latu shined while with the Bruins, helping them to become one of the better defensives in the entire country.

He has a special ability to get to the quarterback and disrupt the offensive game plan in the backfield, as evidenced by his sack totals over the last few seasons. In his two years with UCLA, Latu has totaled 23.5 sacks over 15 games. Just last season, he put up 13 sacks and 49 total tackles, with 21.5 of them coming for a loss.

His tape may not fly off the page, but Latu is a good football player. Whichever team drafts him will be getting a player with a chip on his shoulder, who is ready to put the work in to be great.

In his latest NFL Mock Draft, writer Eric Edholm of NFL.com has the Los Angeles Rams selecting Latu. In this scenario, Los Angeles traded down to the No. 24 pick with the Dallas Cowboys to select the UCLA star defensive player.

"In lieu of trying to replace Aaron Donald, which isn't possible, the Rams might look to address the pass-rush unit in other ways. Latu's injury history is worrisome for a Round 1 pick, but his effort and technical savvy could make him a great value if he stays on the field."

The Rams just lost legend Aaron Donald to retirement, so they will be looking to replace his production. While it's unfair to compare Latu to Donald, he could come in and help ease the transition with Donald leaving.

Landing with the Rams could be an ideal spot for Latu, as he would get to stay close to home. He would also be able to learn under head coach Sean McVay, who many believe is one of the top coaches in the NFL.

The UCLA faithful will be watching closely to see where Latu lands in this draft. They will support him throughout his NFL career, hoping that he can replicate what they saw each time out.