UCLA’s Laiatu Latu ranks 18th in USA TODAY Top 50 Draft prospects

Laiatu Latu is at No. 18.

There is a lot to love about the 2024 NFL Draft for Bruins fans. From darkhorse day three picks like Carson Steele and Darius Muasau to the Murphy twins, there is no shortage of exciting storylines.

But one former Bruin trumps them all: Laiatu Latu. The consensus first-round pick looks to be drafted early on day one. And according to USA TODAY’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, Latu is a top-20 player in the draft at #18. 

Middlehurst-Schwartz writes, “Equipped with a pass-rush arsenal far more varied and advanced than his peers, Latu sets himself apart as easily the most pro-ready edge defender in this class.”

Armed with prototypical pass-rusher size and a bevy of moves, Latu is clearly one of the best at his position in the draft. 

Though quarterbacks and skill position players garner more buzz, any team that selects Latu will have a blue chip player off the edge for their team for seasons to come.