UCLA Football: Bruins Star Defender Lands With Historic NFL Franchise in Fresh Mock Draft

Matt Levine | Apr 13, 2024

The UCLA Bruins defense was one of the best in the country this past season, earning major praise all year from opponents. The Bruins were led by star pass rusher Laiatu Latu, who posted 13 sacks in just 12 games played.

Latu did everything for the Bruins this season and it has earned him much attention on a national level. He is expected to be taken in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft after his production in college. Latu has been mocked anywhere between the top 10 of the draft to the back end of the first round.

In a new mock draft by Underdog, Hayden Winks has Latu landing with the Denver Broncos at pick No. 25. In this mock draft, Denver trades back to acquire extra draft capital and they select Latu to help bolster their defensive front.

"After trading down to get more picks for a potential QB, the Broncos still manage to land a high-upside pass rusher. In fact, Latu was the most productive edge in college last year. Without a medical "retirement" (neck) in 2021, Latu is likely a top-12 selection if not higher. It's unclear where Latu is going on draft night at this point."

The Broncos have had a long history of having elite pass rushers on the roster, making this a nice landing spot for Latu. His ability to get off the line with ease should fit right into what head coach Sean Payton loves to do on defense.

Denver needs another guy who can get to the quarterback or disrupt offenses in the backfield, making Latu a perfect fit. He would do well in Denver if they were to take him, as he is ready to show that he can duplicate his college production at the next level.