The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away. As a result, NFL pundits are looking to perfect their first-round draft board ahead of the offseason’s most exciting night. According to NFL Network reporter Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock, UCLA’s Laiatu Latu is staying in Los Angeles.
At 19th overall, the Rams take Latu as they try to rebuild their defensive line. Following the retirement of three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, Los Angeles adds a plug-and-play defensive end in Latu. With his great size and playmaking ability off the edge, Latu is a no-brainer pick for the Rams, where they would get him at good value in the back half of the first round.
By no means is Latu expected to fill the Donald’s shoes on day one, but Latu is a player that the Rams can build around for the future. Following a hardware-laden senior season for the Bruins, Latu is a great fit in Los Angeles and would be eligible for the fifth-year option on his contract down the road.