Laiatu Latu is climbing the draft board in the Draft Wire’s most recent mock.
The unanimous-All-American edge for the Bruins falls to only #12 overall with the Denver Broncos according to Jeff Risdon.
Denver currently exists in “cap jail.” Following their release of Russell Wilson, the Broncos inherited an NFL-record $85 million cap hit in dead money. As a result, their finances are in a historically precarious position.
With the top-four quarterbacks taken off the board in the top-10, Denver smartly adds a blue-chip player on the edge to bolster their pass rush and improve their defense.
Denver still has many needs on their roster from quarterback to receiver, all the way down to tight end. But improving the defense with a proven talent gives the Broncos a chance to lay the foundation for their future under Sean Payton.
While it could be a start for Denver, with the way Latu’s draft stock continues to rise, there is a chance he is not even on the board still when they select at #12 overall.