Broncos Land Explosive Edge Rusher in Latest NFL Mock Draft

The Broncos add to their pass-rushing group in the first round of this new draft prediction.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (DL42) works out during the / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With a week left until the start of the 2024 NFL Draft, mock season is in full swing. During which, there have been many players at key positions mocked for the Denver Broncos. Such is to be expected as this roster needs major improvement.

The scuttlebutt is if the Broncos will remain at pick 12 in the first round. Some analysts have Denver moving up to select their quarterback of the future while others have them trading back to acquire more draft capital. 

But what if they remain at 12 and take the best player available? One analyst from the NFL Network seems to believe the Broncos will do just that. In the latest 2024 1.0 NFL mock draft, Peter Schrager has the Broncos selecting edge rusher Laiatu Latu from UCLA.

Here is what Schrager said about the selection:

"Viewed by many as the best pure pass rusher in the draft, Latu absolutely could end up in Denver if the board falls this way. The Broncos would, of course, love to move up and get a top-four quarterback, but I just don't think they have the ammunition. They'd have to really love Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. to take either at No. 12 overall. (Like really, REALLY love.) So Latu's the prediction here."

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Latu started at the University of Washington and played in 12 games. During his sophomore year, he suffered a neck injury that caused him to retire at the start of 2021 spring practices. In 2022, he transferred to UCLA. In his two seasons with the Bruins, he combined for 23.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and two interceptions.

Despite the medical concerns, he is the best pure pass rusher in the draft. That is because he is a technician when it comes to the position. He is very explosive and can time the snap perfectly to get off as quickly as possible. In addition, the way he can pair his feet and hands in the dirt allows him to bend more effectively and beat any offensive lineman he faces.

His strength lies within his hands. Not only does his hands help him with accuracy and timing, but it also helps him with his cross chop. This allows him to drive his power straight to the chest of the offensive line and clears a path to the quarterback.

It is no secret that the Broncos can use as much help as they can get in the pass-rushing department. Although Baron Browning, Jonathon Cooper, and Nik Bonitto are solid players, the Broncos are missing the elite prospect that opposing offenses fear. If selected by Denver, Latu can make himself a future household name in the NFL.

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