UCLA Football: CBS Mock Draft Has Laiatu Latu Staying Close to Home

Latu is expected to be one of the premier pass rushers in this year's draft.

The UCLA Bruins have one of the better pass rushers entering the NFL Draft this season. Edge rusher Laiatu Latu is expected to be taken in the first round of the draft, and he has been making impressions at the NFL Combine.

Latu is an impressive athletic player, who uses his abilities to create havoc in the backfield. He was one of the biggest reasons why the Bruins' defense was so special this past season.

Now, he will be calling somewhere else home, as he makes his way to the professional leagues. But according to one recent mock draft, Latu may not have to go too far after all. 

Kyle Stackpole of CBS Sports put out a mock draft earlier today and has Latu landing with the Los Angeles Rams. This would mean Latu could stay in Southern California, and keep UCLA fans close to his game.

"Laiatu Latu didn't test as well as the other top edge rushers, but he's technically sound and super productive. Those qualities will translate to the NFL."

Per Kyle Stackpole of CBS Sports

The Rams currently hold the No. 19 pick in the NFL Draft, a range where Latu has been mocked too multiple times. He would fit in well with the Rams' defense, creating a nice pairing with star Aaron Donald on the defensive line.

Los Angeles loves to create pressure on the quarterback, and Latu excelled at that last season. He put up 13 sacks with the Bruins this past season, showing he is more than capable of being a game-changer defensively. 

UCLA fans would love for him to land with the Rams, as he would be staying close to home. He has meant a lot to the Bruins community during his time with the team, so hopefully, he can stay in Los Angeles.