UCLA Football: AFC West Franchise Grabs Bruins Star Defender in Latest Mock Draft
With the 2024 NFL draft rapidly approaching, mock drafts from various media outlets have been flying out fast and furiously.
Brady Quinn and Leger Douzable of CBS Sports jumped into the fray Monday afternoon. The duo broke down each individual pick of the first round with a letter grade.
In this case, Quinn has a former Bruin going in the first half of the first round. According to the former NFL quarterback, Quinn has UCLA star pass rusher Laiatu Latu going No. 13 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Quinn further elaborated on selection (which he deemed as having an ‘A’ grade): “Latu is so clean on film. Size, insane pass-rush moves, two years of high-level productivity. There are just those injury concerns in his past, and he doesn't have tremendous length. The Raiders could really use another defensive end running mate given how many snaps Maxx Crosby plays on a yearly basis.”
In this scenario, Latu would stay out West for a team in need of some pop off the edge. Maxx Crosby is an elite player, and has proven to consistently be among the best defensive ends in the league. On the other hand, the team could use an option opposite Crosby. Chandler Jones is no longer with the team, and last year’s first round pick – Tyree Wilson – only notched 3.5 sacks in 17 games.
As virtually every NFL franchise can attest, no team can have a shortage of pass rushing talent. This is especially the case when competing in a division versus Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
Latu’s first-step quickness is phenomenal, as is his bend. The Northern California native plays the game with an undeniable energy, and it has led to him developing into a very good prospect. If the medical issues check out, you’re looking at potentially game-changing type of defender.
