UCLA Football: OL Believes Laiatu Latu Could Be Ultimate Patrick Mahomes Stopper

New York Giants guard Justin Pugh appeared to offer a vote of confidence in UCLA Bruins standout defensive end Laiatu Latu, who looks likely to be a first round pick in this month's NFL draft. Specifically, Pugh appears to be advocating for an AFC West rival of the Kansas City Chiefs to ponder selecting Latu, whom Pugh thinks could give superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes fits.

If you’re in the AFC West and you’re trying to beat Patrick Mahomes you need to draft this guy. Turner/Verse are more physical but Latu gets to the QB better than anyone in this draft. He is a closer and will go get you a sack to win the game. https://t.co/PABKMtujCR
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) March 30, 2024

Where exactly Latu will be selected in this year's draft is anyone's guess. He's chatted with the Chicago Bears, who possess the Nos. 1 and 9 picks this week. Among AFC West clubs, the first round picks vary significantly. The team with the highest selection, as of now, is the Los Angeles Chargers, who own the fifth pick. The Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders are next among AFC West franchises, with the Nos. 12 and 13 selections, respectively. The Chiefs, who have won three of the last four Super Bowls, own the final pick in the first round, No. 32. Latu will almost certainly be off the board by then.

The 6'5", 265-pound prospect wrapped up a lengthy college career with a decorated 2023 run. He was named a two-time All-Pac-12 First Teamer and a unanimous All-American, while being honored as the Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year (an award bequeathed upon the best defender in the Pac-12), and the Lombardi and Ted Hendricks awards. He notched 49 total tackles (28 solo), 13 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and two pass deflections.