Where will UCLA Bruins star Laiatu Latu be drafted? It’s going to be in the first round, barring some unforeseen circumstances. Essentially every mock has Latu being selected early.
In the latest mock draft by Nate Davis of USA Today, Latu lands at No. 8 to the Atlanta Falcons. Here’s what Davis wrote:
While it’s almost universally expected they’ll opt for defense in Round 1, the Falcons are another squad in a unique spot – one likely to be coveted by others yet allows Atlanta to move down and accrue picks while still getting a top defender. However Latu could be a compelling option. The Pac-12’s defensive player of the year in 2023 – when he also earned the Lombardi Award and Ted Hendricks Award for being the country’s best collegiate defensive end while posting an FBS-best 1.8 tackles for loss per game – Latu racked up 35 TFLs, 23½ sacks, five forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions in two seasons with the Bruins. A neck injury suffered while he attended the University of Washington temporarily relegated him to medical retirement, but Latu said at the scouting combine that his current medical reports suggest he’s no longer at high risk. The Falcons’ doctors would, of course, have to agree, but strong case they’d enlist this year’s most advanced, productive and versatile pass rusher if they do. Atlanta would also have unique insight given new DC Jimmy Lake was Latu’s head coach at UW.
Latu is easily a first-round choice, but going this high might be a bit surprising if it does happen. The UCLA star will be in attendance for the first round on Thursday night in Detroit, so only time will tell where he will begin his NFL journey.