The value of a quality edge rusher can’t be overstated. Having a pass rusher who is capable of wreaking havoc off the edge is something that every team covets, and is something 2024 NFL Draft prospect Laiatu Latu does very well.
Will Latu go early on Day 1? Here’s everything you need to know about the EDGE prospect ahead of the draft.
How Tall Is Laiatu Latu?
Length and size matter at almost every position, but especially so for edge defenders. Play in and play out, guys like Latu are going to be tasked with going around — and sometimes going through — hulking offensive linemen to disrupt the quarterback.
Measuring in at 6’5″, Latu checks every box when it comes to height.
How Much Does Latu Weigh?
When you’re as tall as Latu is, it’s important to be able to carry good weight as well in order to play with functional strength and use your big frame as an advantage. He does so as well as anyone in this draft class, and that is aided by the fact he weighs 259 pounds.
How Old Is Latu?
Draft prospects come into the NFL with a wide array of ages. We’ve seen players as young as 20, up to 26, at times, get drafted.
In Latu’s case, he’ll be entering the NFL at the young, but mature age of 23, with his birthday falling on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31.
What School Did Latu Go To?
Latu is a California kid born in Sacramento. He has spent the majority of his life on the West Coast, and that includes his playing days as well.
Latu began his football career at Jesuit High School in Sacramento before beginning his college career with the Washington Huskies. Ultimately, he finished his collegiate career back in his home state by joining the UCLA Bruins.
Revisiting Latu’s College Career
Latu began his college career with the Huskies, where he appeared in 12 games during his freshman season. However, entering his second season with the program, Latu suffered an unfortunate neck injury in the fall camp leading up to the start of the season.
Following that year, it was determined by Washington’s doctors that Latu was not healthy enough to continue his collegiate career, and he would medically retire from the game.
However, Latu was not done playing the game he loved and decided to transfer to UCLA, where team doctors cleared him before the start of the 2022 season. He went on to play two seasons for the Bruins and finished his tenure with 23.5 sacks while starting all 12 games in his final season.
Latu’s Potential in the NFL
Latu’s medical history is an interesting wrinkle in his evaluation. It’s something that may give teams pause but ultimately hasn’t deterred him much from being viewed as a top draft pick in this year’s upcoming class.
According to Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings, when it comes to this class, Latu belongs among the top names in his position.
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Laiatu Latu Draft Profile
“Latu is perhaps the most exciting pass rusher to watch in the 2024 NFL Draft EDGE class. Not only is he explosive, twitched-up, and insanely flexible for his size, but he also has deadly hand-fighting chops. He has a barrage of moves at his disposal, and he stacks combos and counters with elite quickness and reaction speed.
“Latu has the physical and operational traits to hit the ground running as an impact pass-rushing force at the NFL level — preferably as a stand-up EDGE in odd and hybrid-front schemes — and he has enough strength, awareness, and urgency in pursuit to hold his own on running downs.”
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