The defensive talent in the upcoming NFL Draft hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves due to all the high-profile quarterback and wide receiver talent available atop the board, but there are still plenty of strong defenders to be found in Round 1.
One renowned analyst is comparing one of the draft’s best edge rushers to one of the best to ever do it in T.J. Watt, which is the ultimate compliment.
NFL Films’ Greg Cosell has high praise for UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu, saying “I thought that for a college pass rusher, he had a lot of tools in the toolbox,” and said he is “the No. 1 overall edge rusher” in this class.
NFL Films’ @gregcosell shares his high praise for UCLA pass rusher Laiatu Latu
“He has a lot of tools in the toolbox” pic.twitter.com/eTY3POlLvZ
— One Bills Live (@OneBillsLive) April 20, 2024
Cosell praised Latu for being the “most refined in terms of his moves, his hand usage, he’s relentlessly competitive” at his position.
Latu put up big numbers at UCLA last season, including 49 tackles with an FBS-leading 21.5 for loss, 13 sacks, two picks, and two forced fumbles.
Latu has been projected all over the first round and could be the first edge taken off the board, though Florida State’s Jared Verse and Alabama’s Dallas Turner are going to give him a run for his money.
His production at UCLA was unmatched in what was a surprisingly strong Pac-12, and he’ll be looked to be an immediate producer at the next level.
Latu is 6’5″ and 259 pounds and ran an eye-popping 4.64 at the NFL Combine, making fans wonder what it is that has Latu projected outside the top 10 in many mock drafts.
He has the size, athleticism, and production any team would want in an edge rusher.
We’ll see where he winds up on Thursday.
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