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Laiatu Latu

ED

UCLA

Laiatu Latu

HT:

6050

WT:

265

YR:

SR

NO:

15

OVR RK

17

POS RK

CEILING POTENTIAL

3

High-End Starter Potential

OVR RK

SCOUTING REPORT

UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu's excellent quickness, body control, and hand usage make him a menacing presence to quarterbacks. At 6'4", 265 lbs, with a 40-time of 4.70 seconds, his athletic profile is solid, and his comeback from a severe neck injury to earn First Team All-Pac-12 and College Football Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 showcases his tenacity. Latu's broad range of pass rush moves and ability to win the edge underline his potential, although concerns exist regarding his power at the point of attack and change of direction. His projection as a Day 1 pick and a winning starter from day one, especially in teams with an odd front scheme, hints at his immediate impact potential in the NFL. Latu's resilience and continuous development hint at a promising professional trajectory as a three-down player with further strength and technique refinement.

Primary scout:

Brandon Lundberg

PLAYSTYLE & SCHEME FIT

Laiatu Latu's play style is characterized by his explosive quickness off the edge, adept hand usage, and body control which makes him a formidable pass rusher, able to shake off offensive linemen and create pressure on quarterbacks. He also has the flexibility to drop back into coverage, although his change of direction could be a limiting factor in man coverage situations. In terms of scheme fit, Latu would thrive in an odd front scheme as an edge rusher where his pass-rushing skills can be maximized, and his ability to set the edge against the run can be further developed with enhanced strength. His physicality and relentless motor also suggest a good fit in aggressive, attacking defensive schemes. For player comparisons based on play style and body composition, Latu draws similarities to players like Chandler Jones, due to his length and pass-rushing prowess, Shaquil Barrett, for his versatility and ability to create pressure, and Jason Pierre-Paul, whose resilience and comeback from adversity parallel Latu's own journey, coupled with a comparable athletic frame and edge-rushing capability.

KEY STRENGTHS

Quickness

Versatility

Resilience

KEY WEAKNESSES

Power

Agility

Coverage

PLAYER COMPARISONS

Chandler Jones

Shaquil Barrett

Jason Pierre-Paul

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