UCLA Football: Laiatu Latu Lands With NFC Powerhouse in New Mock Draft

Ricardo Sandoval | Apr 13, 2024

Feb 28, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (DL42) talks to the media at / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA Bruins superstar edge rusher Laiatu Latu will be selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. The only question now is... where will he land?

Latu is among the best edge rushers in his class and is set to make an impact on any NFL team he joins. According to a new mock draft, Latu will head to the Northeast and join NFC powerhouse, the Philadephia Eagles. 

NBC Sports' Kyle Dvorchak stated this is the pick the Eagles need to hit on. 

"This doesn't require much explanation," Dvorchak wrote. "If you've followed the draft over the past decade, you'll know that the Eagles build through the trenches. They also love their athletes, even more than the Colts. Laiatu Latu is an elite athlete with a 9.3 RAS who can immediately make an impact for a pass-rush unit that fell off a cliff in 2023."

The Eagles were among the worst teams at getting turnovers in the quarterback and creating turnovers. Philadelphia's sack percentage last season was 6.39%, ranked 24th, and they ranked 27th in turnovers with one per game. 

Latu is the ultimate destructor on the football field. The All-American forced two interceptions and two forced fumbles and recorded 13 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss.

He's a menace at getting to the quarterback and will do the same at the pro level. Latu boasts a robust frame and demonstrates lateral agility and an elusive nature. The Lombardi Award winner also can create mismatches against guards on passing downs with his dimness and relentless purist to the backfield. 

The Eagles could greatly benefit from Latu's presence. Then again, so could the other 31 NFL teams.