UCLA Football: Latest Mock Draft Pegs Bruins Edge Rusher in Top 5

A dominant talent.

Your UCLA Bruins remain focused on their ranked matchup against Oregon State today, but it's never too early for NFL draft projections for some of their stars. 

One name rising draft boards is edge rusher Laiatu Latu who could wind up as a top-five selection this April according to On3's Nick Schultz. 

As a result of the mock trade with the Patriots, the Bears move down to No. 5 to take star pass rusher

Laiatu Latu

out of

UCLA

. He’s tied for fourth in the Pac-12 with 5.0 sacks this year, and his stock has been on the rise this year. Latu is coming off a monster 2022 season in which he had 12.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks to anchor the UCLA defense. The Bruins are back in action on Saturday when they head to

Oregon State

on Saturday.

via Nick Schultz, On 3

Latu has continued his great pace from last season as he's compiled five sacks and two forced fumbles in just five games so far this year. 

The Sacramento native also collected the first interception of his college career in Week 3's 59-7 beatdown of the North Carolina Central Eagles. 

Now a senior, Latu picked up right where he left off as the Bruins' best defender and one of the best in college football right now. 

USC QB Caleb Williams will undoubtedly be the first overall pick in this year's draft but should the Bears earn that right for the second straight season, another trade down could be in order. 

Chicago already gave up last year's No. 1 draft choice to Carolina as they took Bryce Young as their presumed franchise quarterback. 

If such a scenario happens, the Bears would reap the benefits of one of college football's best defenders as a team that desperately needs edge help. 

Don't forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Bruins!