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Denver Broncos to have top 30 visit with UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Justin Churchill | Last updated 4/11/24

Like many teams heading into this draft, the Denver Broncos need some major help on the defensive side of the ball. Well, really, they need help on both sides. However, outside of grabbing a quarterback, some of the Broncos' biggest needs should come on defense.

And, as far as we can tell, they are also focusing on the defensive side, even with their first pick. We know this because they are having a top 30 visit with defensive end Jared Verse, who is projected to go in the top 15, and now they have one other guy they are having a top 30 with who is projected to go high.

According to multiple reports, the Broncos are having a top-30 visit with UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu.

#UCLA edge Laiatu Latu, one of the draft's best pass rushers, is on a Top 30 visit to the #Vikings today, source said. He was with the #Bears yesterday and already met with the #Broncos, plus he has #AZCardinals tomorrow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 9, 2024

Latu has the potential to be the best pure pass rusher in this class. However, with his strengths are some weaknesses. Here are both:

STRENGTHS

Looks like he practices the cross-chop 100x every night before he goes to sleep
Rapid hand quickness leaves tackles frozen
A blur transitioning between moves & crossing the blocker's face
Plays with relentless effort & pursuit of the QB
He bounces off the LOS & forces tackles into oversets. Attacks the B-gap with a fluid inside counter
Above average bend
Wins from every alignment. Uses a club-rip/swim vs. IOL
Uses hands to keep himself clean in run defense
Good screen awareness & coverage instincts in zone drops

WEAKNESSES

Major injury concerns. Was forced to sit out two seasons & medically retire due to a neck injury
Spin move is still a work-in-progress
Hasn't developed much of a power rush
32-inch arms will make it harder to win with his hands in the NFL
Misses with his hands fairly often
Pass-rushing juice can die when blockers land a quick punch
Looked pedestrian against the better tackles he faced
Tackling control is inconsistent
Thin lower half, struggles to anchor vs. downhill runs
Lacks range to keep contain consistently

Latu would be a great fit on the Broncos.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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