Laiatu Latu – EDGE – 23 years old – Senior – UCLA
Height: 1m93
Weight: 120kg
Estimated position in the draft: 1st round
NFL Comparison: TJ Watt
The pass rusher class is rich in different profiles, and Latu represents a risky but attractive profile. A technical monster but physically fragile, he remains an enigma of the first round.
Highlights of Laiatu Latu
- Hand placement
- Agility
- Technical
When studying a pass rusher, a fundamental question is: how can he win his matchup? Is it unpredictable? Latu has an almost unprecedented technical range. Able to face his opponent in a duel or to bypass him with astonishing ease, he can win in all situations.
This domination is explained by a perfect use of his body and his hands, never too high and always perfectly in line with the lower body to best use his advantage. This is Laiatu Latu's talent: he is not a monster of nature, but he maximizes his strengths in order to be one of the best. This constant effort and endurance make him a threat from the first to the last minute.
Weaknesses of Laiatu Latu
- Physical dimension
- Injury history
Like Jaelan Phillips before him, Latu saw his career end prematurely following a neck injury. But like the Dolphins player, UCLA gave him a second chance and he took it. Despite everything, it would not be surprising if some teams removed him from the big board, because he still represents a huge gamble.
Physical dimensions-wise, Laiatu Latu isn't particularly impressive when compared to competitors such as Jared Verse. If his dimensions are not prohibitive, he will have to show that he can still maximize his potential in the NFL, which is not always an easy thing.
Possible destinations
Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens.
For a mid-first round team, the Latu temptation will be great. Absolutely fabulous in 2023, he has shown his ability to be a versatile weapon in the pass rush. Even in the NFL, this is rare. But teams looking for a physical and powerful player (a “setter”) should look at another profile. Latu is more of an outside linebacker who can move from right to left, to the inside.
