UCLA Football News: Analyst Projects Bruins to Snap First-Round Picks Drought with Linebacker Star

A special season from the veteran linebacker could reward him come draft time

The UCLA Bruins are in search of their first double-digit win season since 2014. 

It's been quite a while, and this season is as good as any to exit the Pac-12 on a high note. It won't be easy, but the Bruins should still be able to put up points and get some stops on defense. 

Their defense as a whole is suspect at the moment, but one player who will lead the charge is UCLA's linebacker Laiatu Latu. Latu is entering his second season in Westwood after transferring from Washington, and it will most likely be his last. 

A special season from Latu will be huge for the Bruins and could place him in a great spot for the 2024 NFL Draft. UCLA hasn't had great success in the draft, with no first-rounders since 2018, but if Latu can live up to expecations or exceed them, Jon Gold of Saturday out West could see him become the first player since 2018 to break that streak. 

UCLA: No 1st-round picks since 2018

The NFL has not been particularly friendly to the Chip Kelly era of the UCLA Bruins. After Jim Mora produced 1st rounders at a tremendous rate during his tenure — six from 2014-18, including multiple 1st rounders in 2014 and 2018 — UCLA has not had one since.

One big-time season out of Laiatu Latu could snap the streak. Latu had 10.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles last year, his first with the Bruins after an injury at Washington was thought to be career-ending. Latu is currently mocked as an early 2nd-rounder, but he’s got a shot.

(Saturday Out West)

Latu had a strong 2022 campaign and will look to build on that in 2023. He finished leading the team with 12.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in all 13 games. 

If he can build on his success in 2022 and ball out, he could place himself in a great spot to be a first-round pick. 

We can't wait to see Latu d his thing and have his best season yet.