Top Defensive Prospect in NFL Draft 'Would Love To' Play for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As far as prospects go in the NFL Draft there's a real connection between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and one of the best pass rushers in this year's NFL Draft.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the emotionally difficult decision to release outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett after five years together. 

Now, the Buccaneers have to take on the unenviable task of finding a replacement for him. 

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While Tampa Bay will look to lean on a combination of standout rookie YaYa Diaby and fourth-year rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to secure the team's pass rush, it will also likely look for even younger blood via the NFL Draft.

One of the prospects setting out to impress teams like the Bucs at the NFL Scouting Combine this week is UCLA Bruins EDGE Laiatu Latu, who says he'd love to play for the team for one very specific reason.

UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the first half at Rose Bowl / Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

"I think it went great," Latu said of his meeting with the Buccaneers in Indianapolis. "Especially my boy Joe (Tryon-Shoyinka) over there, I'd love to play alongside him."

Latu and Tryon-Shoyinka played just one season together as Washington Huskies in 2019 before COVID-19 and injury ensured they only got one year. 

After battling back from a retirement-inducing injury Latu was able to re-establish his college career with UCLA in 2022 while Tyron-Shoyinka lept to the NFL, and to Tampa Bay, in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Bucs have a big decision to make this offseason on whether or not they'll exercise Tryon-Shoyinka's fifth-year option ahead of his fourth season in the league.

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An easier decision to make should center around Latu who is currently projected to come off the NFL Draft board around the 13th pick on Day 1, out of reach currently for the Buccaneers.

If he somehow slides, or the right deal presents itself to general manager Jason Licht to move up, landing Latu would ensure Tampa Bay has life in its pass rush after Barrett's departure. 

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