2024 NFL Draft Prospect: Laiatu Latu

Laiatu Latu

Position: Edge – Projected: 1st Round

History & Measurables

Born: Dec. 31st, 2000 – Sacramento, CA

High School: Jesuit HS (Washington)

College: UCLA

Height: 6’4″       Weight: 259 lbs

Traits & Characteristics

The Good

• Length
• Awareness as a pass rusher
• Superb hand placement
• Vast arsenal of speed rush techniques

The Bad

• Pad level
• Pursuit
• Run stopping
• Versatility concerns at NFL level

Advanced Analytics Notes

2023 Pass Rush Stats: Min 100 Pass Rush Snaps

• PFF Pass Rush Grade: 94.3 (1st Among Edge Defenders)
• Pash Rush Win Rate: 26.2% (T-6 Among Edge Defenders)
• QB Hits: 11 (T-11 Among Edge Defenders)
• Sacks: 15 (3rd Among Edge Defenders)
• Hurries: 36 (T-11 Among Edge Defenders)

2023 Run Defense Stats: Min 100 Run Defense Snaps

• PFF Run Defense Grade: 82.1 (16th Among Edge Defenders)
• Run Stops: 14 (T-138th Among Edge Defenders)

Film Notes and Highlights

Laiatu Latu is a finesse Edge with elite length. He utilize OL balance points to give him leverage on attacks, with his acceleration and length giving fits to offensive linemen. He has a vast arsenal of speed rush techniques and active hands. His placement is superb and helps him manipulate the body of the OL to gain an advantage. Latu most effective in a 2-point stance, but does have some trouble playing at a good pad level; while his length bails him out in this regard it’s something to watch for at the next level. He struggles in the run game and his pursuit after 5 yards is not great. I have concerns for him having any other responsibility than rushing the passer. Due to his neck concerns, I believe Latu is an early Day 2 prospect who likely would be ranked higher if not for medical concerns. – Thomas Christopher

(Games Watched: vs USC 2022, vs Arizona 2022, vs Utah 2023, vs Oregon State 2023, vs Arizona 2023, Live at Senior Bowl 2024)

Player Comparison

Jaelan Phillips

Three Best Fits

Buffalo Bills

Chicago Bears

Miami Dolphins