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UCLA Football: Mel Kiper Jr. Breaks Down Ex-Bruin Laiatu Latu's Dynamic Skill

Long-time ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. praises UCLA's top edge rusher.

Ricardo Sandoval

UCLA Football: Mel Kiper Jr. Breaks Down Ex-Bruin Laiatu Latu's Dynamic Skill
UCLA Football: Mel Kiper Jr. Breaks Down Ex-Bruin Laiatu Latu's Dynamic Skill /
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Your UCLA Bruins will be losing their senior superstar edge rusher, Laiatu Latu. Latu declared for the draft after his historic 2023 season, and he is set to be among the top prospects in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft. 

Latu has received much praise throughout his college career, and it's no different as he prepares for the NFL. Long-time ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. gives his analyst on Latu and his insane 2023 season. 

“I love Latu's ability to bend the edge and get after quarterbacks. He's a toolsy pass-rusher who has a variety of moves and always has a plan of attack. He ranked second in the FBS in total pressures (57) and pressure rate (20.4%) this past season, and he ranked first in the same categories in 2022 (55 pressures, 19.1% pressure rate). And did I mention he had 23.5 sacks in that time frame? Those are two seasons of phenomenal production.”

(per Mel Kiper Jr. via ESPN)

Latu was as good as any player, regardless of position. In his senior season as a Bruin, he recorded 49 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, two picks, two passes defended, and two forced fumbles. 

He became UCLA's first-ever Lombardi Award, the Ted Hendricks Award, and the Polynesian Defensive Player of the Year honor. He was also the finalist for the Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. He led the nation in tackles for loss per game (1.8) and ranked fourth nationally, second in the league in sacks per game (1.08) average. 

There's nothing Latu can't do in his position, and he will bring a ton of joy to the defense and a ton of frustration to opposing offenses. 

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Ricardo Sandoval
RICARDO SANDOVAL

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