On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Laiatu Latu NFL Draft Profile, Edge Rusher
Class: Red-Shirt Senior
College: UCLA Bruins
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 261 pounds
Combine Results: Coming Soon
NFL Player Comparison
Teams With 1st Round Need At Edge
Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams
Projection
Pick 8: Atlanta Falcons
Laiatu Latu NFL Draft Profile: Bio
For a while, it seemed uncertain if we’d ever witness the talents of Laiatu Latu from 2021 and 2022. He began his college football journey at Washington in 2019 as a highly regarded four-star recruit. Despite showing promise in his freshman year, a neck injury during fall camp in 2020 sidelined him for the entire season. In the spring of 2021, Coach Jimmy Lake announced Latu’s medical retirement due to doctors’ concerns of potential paralysis if he returned to play.
Latu persevered, undergoing extensive rehabilitation behind the scenes. Following his transfer to UCLA after the 2021 season, he received medical clearance from UCLA’s doctors in the spring of 2022. Since then, Latu has emerged as a dominant force on the field. His impressive stats in 2022, including 10.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles, were followed by an outstanding 2023 season, where he notched 49 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, two interceptions, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
Latu’s remarkable performance in 2023 earned him prestigious accolades, including the Lombardi Award for the nation’s top defensive lineman, a first for the UCLA Bruins. Additionally, he clinched the Ted Hendricks Award, recognizing him as the country’s top defensive end.
Laiatu Latu NFL Draft Profile: Upside
With a robust frame with requisite length and athleticism for an NFL edge. Played in both two-point and three-point stances. Latu combines quickness with power to gain the edge and unsettle tackles, making him a formidable force.
Latu showcases remarkable lateral agility and an elusive nature. Employing a diverse set of rush moves with advanced hand techniques, he consistently outmaneuvers blockers, demonstrating commendable body control at the rush apex and effectively disrupting quarterbacks who step up in the pocket.
Additionally, he excels in creating mismatches inside against guards on passing downs, utilizing his quickness and relentless pursuit to pressure the quarterback.
While more inclined towards zone coverage, he displays good instincts and an instinctive playmaking ability, frequently forcing turnovers and disrupting offensive momentum with his persistent motor.
Laiatu Latu NFL Draft Profile: Downside
Latu’s ceiling may be limited because of his athleticism. Additionally, his average arm length could affect his production. He has occasional lapses in his ability to diagnose and react to run plays. Moreover, his medical history presents a significant risk factor.
More must-reads:
- Notre Dame believed to be trending toward surprise choice at quarterback
- Browns HC sends message to Myles Garrett after latest speeding incident
- The 'American League WAR leaders' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Ohio State football sets all-time record with latest AP Poll drop, leaving Michigan in the dust for second-place
Purdue Football Opens as Big Favorite in Week 1 Game vs. Ball State
Kickoff is still a few weeks away for Purdue, but the Boilermakers have already opened as a sizable favorite for their first game of the 2025 campaign. They're listed as more than two-touchdown favorites against Ball State in the season opener, set for Saturday, Aug. 30. FanDuel Sportsbook has listed Purdue as a 17.5-point favorite for the opener against Ball State. Kickoff is set for noon ET on Aug. 30, with the game airing on Big Ten Network. The Boilermakers are entering the first year of the Barry Odom era, hoping to begin the season off on the right foot. Last year, Purdue ended with a 1-11 record, with its lone victory coming over Indiana State in the season opener. Ball State finished last season with a 3-9 record and is also ushering a new coaching staff, led by Mike Uremovich. The new Cardinals head coach is a native of Gary, Ind. and received his undergraduate degree from Purdue. He began his coaching career at McCutcheon High School in Lafayette, Ind. Purdue vs. Ball State all-time record Purdue and Ball State have played eight times on the gridiron, with the Boilermakers owning a perfect 8-0 record against the Cardinals. The last meeting came in 2010 at Ross-Ade Stadium, a 24-13 win for Purdue. All eight games have been played at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Purdue's largest margin of victory was a 59-7 win in 2004. The closest meeting was a 38-28 decision in 2006. The Boilermakers own an average margin of victory of 21.6 points per game. Purdue has defeated Ball State by 18 points or more in four of the eight meetings.
Jets QB Justin Fields had 'alarming' practice against Giants
New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields found out he has a long way to go following his performance at Tuesday's joint practice with the New York Giants. Per Connor Hughes of SNY TV, Fields started hot at the practice before struggling during the move-the-ball period. "Very interesting practice for #Jets QB Justin Fields," Hughes posted on X. "He finished 7 of 12 with a TD. 5 of 5 to start practice. Then 0 for 4. Finished 2 of 3 with the really impressive TD to Jeremy Ruckert in red zone (starter 18 yard line). "The offensive performance was a bit alarming in move-the-ball period of practice. Fields Co. had three attempts to get down field. They didn’t gain a first down. Only gained yards twice (two short Breece Hall runs). Three sacks. That needs to be fixed. #Giants defense toyed with NYJ during that period." Some Jets fans online thought Hughes was using hyperbole to characterize the practice, but he doubled down on his judgment of the offense. Fields looked strong on his first and only drive in the Jets' 30-10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. He went 3-of-4 passing for 42 yards and rushed two times for 14 yards and a touchdown. However, the Giants defense at the joint practice is a much better unit than the short-handed one the Packers trotted out for the first preseason game. Fields' issues seen with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, with holding the ball too long and not being able to pass consistently downfield, were a factor against the Giants. Following Saturday's game, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said Fields was getting better but had a lot to improve on. Tuesday's practice was a humbling reminder that Fields needs to become a consistent passer if the Jets are going to move the ball on good defenses in the regular season.
Shohei Ohtani named in lawsuit regarding $240M real estate project
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has been named in a lawsuit that was filed in Hawaii on Friday. Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo, are being sued by a real estate investor and a broker in Hawaii who have accused Ohtani and Balelo of sabotaging a $240M real estate deal for a development on the Big Island. According to court documents that were obtained by Jimmy Golen of The Associated Press, real estate developer Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and real estate broker Tomoko Matsumoto say Ohtani and Balelo deliberately had them removed from the project “for no reason other than their own financial self-interest.” The lawsuit claims Ohtani was brought into the deal for his promotional value and that he and his agent pushed the founders of the project out using “threats and baseless legal claims.” “Defendants must be held accountable for their actions, not shielded by fame or behind-the-scenes agents acting with impunity,” the lawsuit states. “Plaintiffs bring this suit to expose Defendants’ misconduct and to ensure that the rules of contract, fair dealing, and accountability apply equally to all — celebrity or not.” Hayes and Matsumoto have also accused Ohtani and Balelo of trying to push them out of a similar neighboring development project. The $240M Big Island development is located along Hapuna Beach, which is rated one of the top beaches in the world. Matsumoto was supposed to be the listing agent for the properties, which average more than $17.3M each. A brochure for the project stated that Ohtani, who was called “Japan’s Babe Ruth” has committed to buying one of the 14 properties and acting as a “celebrity spokesperson” for the development. Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700M contract with the Dodgers prior to the 2024 season. The two-way star is having another monster year with a .284 average, 42 home runs, 78 RBI and a 1.013 OPS entering Tuesday. Ohtani has also returned to pitching this season and has a 2.37 ERA across 19 innings. Ohtani was also connected to a massive gambling scandal last year, though Major League Baseball determined that the 31-year-old was not guilty of any wrongdoing.
What is 'biggest sticking point' in contract standoff between Terry McLaurin, Commanders?
As of Wednesday morning, the Washington Commanders and Terry McLaurin remained in a contract standoff. The 29-year-old wide receiver, in the final year of his current deal, requested a trade on July 31. Team reporter John Keim of ESPN shared "why the two sides remain so far apart" regarding a possible agreement. "[Age] likely remains the biggest sticking point because it frames the argument for Washington," Keim explained. "McLaurin will turn 30 on Sept. 15, which means he'd be 31 when an extension begins. The Commanders rely heavily on analytics, and the numbers aren't kind to receivers at that age. According to ESPN Research, over the past five seasons, only three receivers 31 years or older have played at least 10 games and averaged 70-plus receiving yards per game; six have averaged 60-plus." Previous reports indicated that McLaurin wants "parts" of the five-year, $150M deal that the Pittsburgh Steelers gave DK Metcalf in March after the Steelers acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks. To compare, Metcalf will turn 28 on Dec. 14. "One league source said he could see the Commanders eventually agreeing to pay $28M per year," Keim noted. "...According to various reports and multiple sources, DK Metcalf's contract has served as a guide for McLaurin — though whether that's in terms of average per year ($33M) or total guarantees ($60M) remains uncertain." Keim added that "multiple team sources" have insisted that the Commanders, coming off a trip to this year's NFC Championship Game, won't trade McLaurin for a future draft asset this summer. While playing with quarterback and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, McLaurin notched team highs of 82 receptions and 1,096 receiving yards last season. Only Cincinnati Bengals superstar Ja'Marr Chase recorded more touchdown catches (17) than McLaurin (13) during the 2024 campaign. "[Daniels] averaged 13.4 air yards per attempt to McLaurin, and six of his 12 passes that gained 30 yards or more went to the wideout," Keim pointed out. "Daniels posted a 90.6 quarterback rating (on the 100 scale) when targeting McLaurin." On Wednesday, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Commanders sixth among the betting favorites (tied with the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers) at +2000 odds to win Super Bowl LX this coming February. The fact that Washington wouldn't be able to find a direct replacement for McLaurin before 2026 will likely give him millions of reasons to take the field against the New York Giants in Week 1 on Sept. 7.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
