2024 NFL Draft: Laiatu Latu could be the best pass rusher in the class

Could the Arizona Cardinals take advantage of a falling star of the 2024 NFL Draft class?

Over the next couple of weeks, leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft we will take a look at close to 30 prospects to know.

Within that, we will use the excellent work of Dane Brugler, who has just released his “The Beast” 2024 NFL Draft Guide. I highly recommend taking a peek and signing up for The Athletic if only to get Dane’s guide.

It is always an exhaustive work, and he should be commended.

With that said, we will go in order of Dane’s Big Board and use his final analysis as the wrap up of each prospect.

Next up is Dane’s 22nd ranked player, UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who could be the best edge in the class if his medicals check out, and make an immediate impact for the Arizona Cardinals.

Dane’s Take:

A one-year starter at UCLA, Latu was an outside edge rusher in former defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn’s scheme, splitting his time standing up and rushing with his hand on the ground (was also schemed inside at times). Medically rejected at Washington, he was cleared by doctors after transferring to UCLA and was extremely productive over the past two seasons, with 129 total pressures in 25 games.

Elite production with medical red flags means someone could be getting the steal of the draft.

While people get tired of talking about the medicals, they’ll be the first question if Latu misses time, fair or not, for anything related to the neck.

After leading the FBS in tackles for loss in 2023, the consensus All American cleaned up on the awards circuit as a senior, taking home the Morris Trophy (best DL in Pac-12), Ted Hendricks Award (top DE in FBS) and Lombardi Award (top OL/DL in FBS). For pass rushers, there is a saying: “Beat the hands, beat the man.” Latu lives by this principle with the cohesive way he weaponizes his hands and feet to defeat blocks (led the FBS with a 24.6 percent pass rush win percentage in 2023). As a run defender, his lack of ideal length and pop will show at times, but he made significant improvements with his read/react in this area as a senior.

Latu is an advanced technician, and while that may seem to some like he is maxxed out, it is more that he is ready to make an impact from day one… Think TJ Watt.

Overall, Latu’s medical history will play a major part in his draft grade, but he is a passrush technician with the instinctive feel and athletic bend to be an impactful “two-way go” rusher in the NFL. His play style and journey are reminiscent of Miami Dolphins 2021 first-rounder Jaelan Phillips.

So, are you taking a chance on Latu?

Up next… Jackson Powers-Johnson.