UCLA Football: Laiatu Latu Seen Meeting With AFC West Head Coach

Eva Geitheim | Apr 5, 2024

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA football defensive end Laiatu Latu went to a pre-draft visit with the Los Angeles Chargers recently. Latu documented the visit, posting a photo of him and Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh to his Instagram story on Wednesday.

UCLA DL Laiatu Latu stopped by #Chargers HQ today

ig: laiatulatu pic.twitter.com/sTsbZIriua

— Chargers Country (@ChargersCountry) April 5, 2024

The visit comes less than a month before the draft, as NFL teams host visits for incoming draft prospects. Latu is widely expected to be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, with many believing Latu will be taken in the second half of the first round. Harbaugh and the Chargers hold the No. 5 overall pick in the draft.

Latu is regarded as one of the top defensive ends and pass rushers in the draft. He finished fourth in the FBS in sacks in 2023, recording 13 total sacks. Latu also led the FBS in tackles for loss, posting 21.5 in his final collegiate season.

In addition, Latu had 48 total tackles, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. He was a unanimous All-American and won the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the best defensive end in the draft. Overall, Latu proved to be one of the best playmaking defenders in college football a season ago and will look to carry that over to the NFL.

One of the primary concerns for Latu coming into the draft is his health. He had to medically retire from football after suffering a neck injury while at Washington. However, Latu managed to recover and come back. He then transferred to UCLA, where he has been healthy for the last two seasons.