UCLA Football: Laiatu Latu's 2023 Season Ranked Higher Than Current NFL Greats

Latu is destined for a great career at the pro level.

The 2023 UCLA Bruins may not have had the best season, but their defense was among the best in the league. It had a lot to do with their former defensive coordinator, D'Anton Lynn, and their premier edge rusher, Laiatu Latu.

Latu had himself an even better senior season, earning himself some hardware, and is a potential top-20 pick in the NFL Draft. According to PFF, his 2023 season was so dominant that he earned the highest grade by an edge rusher. He surpassed the likes of other elite college edge rushers like Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson and Ohio State's Chase Young. 

👀 https://t.co/YL3lMd3QSD

— James H. Williams covers UCLA football (@JHWreporter) January 22, 2024

That is some elite company to be a part of, especially when you consider the two players Latu surpassed are just as good in the NFL. 

The 23-year-old is ready to take the NFL by storm, and if the post from above tells us anything, he'll do just fine next season. In his senior season, Latu was named the 2023 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and an All-American while recording 49 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and two interceptions that he returned for 46 yards. 

There are hardly any weaknesses to Latu's game. He has a great initial burst off the line, has advanced hand techniques, and creates mismatches inside against guards on passing downs with his quickness and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. 

He will be elite no matter where he lands, and we can't wait to see him ball out at the next level.