UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu possesses an excellent opportunity to be the first pass rusher selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Latu was outstanding throughout the 2023 college football season. The Sacramento, California native recorded 13.0 sacks while dominating offensive tackles and quarterbacks in the Pac 12. Latu established himself as a premium prospect.
The No. 8 overall prospect in TDN’s latest player rankings update is a pro-ready pass rusher who combines terrific effort and motor with athleticism and technical hands. Latu possesses the traits necessary to consistently be a double-digit sack artist on an annual basis at the next level. We've identified three ideal landing spots for Latu's services in the 2024 NFL Draft.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons recorded a 21st-ranked 42.0 sacks throughout the 2023 campaign. It marked a significant improvement from the second-worst mark they totaled last season (21.0), but there's room for growth. Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, who tied for the Falcons team lead at 6.5 sacks apiece, are both scheduled for unrestricted free agency. There's no guarantee either player will be back with Atlanta in 2024.
The Falcons are also completing a second interview with Bill Belichick for their head coaching vacancy. The six-time Super Bowl winner is the leading candidate in Atlanta. The defensive-minded Belichick would certainly prioritize acquiring long-term solutions at the pass-rushing positions. Draft picks such as DeAngelo Malone and Zach Harrison have yet to reach their performance ceiling. With Belichick leading the charge, selecting Latu would be in play for the Falcons at No. 8 overall.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The ageless Cameron Jordan began showing signs of slowing down in 2023, recording 2.0 sacks, the lowest output of his career since his 2011 rookie season. Despite that, the Saints managed to finish fifth in sacks with 48.0. Carl Granderson and Demario Davis led the charge, combining for 15.0 sacks.
Rookie defensive tackle Bryan Bresee amassed 4.5 quarterback takedowns while looking like an interior building block. The focus should shift to pairing Bresse with young edge defenders who possess a similar ceiling. The defensive-minded Dennis Allen will return as head coach in 2024, adding to the likelihood that the Saints utilize their first-round selection on that side of the ball. Latu would be a great heir apparent to Jordan.
DENVER BRONCOS
The Broncos recorded a 23rd-best 36.0 sacks in 2023. The once-promising pairing of Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory is no longer in town. Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto experienced breakout seasons, but better snap-to-snap consistency is required if they're to be considered long-term solutions.
The Broncos have undergone a ton of change at the position in recent years. General manager George Paton must continue adding talent to a room that remains in transition. If the Broncos don't draft a quarterback like Bo Nix or J.J. McCarthy with the No. 12 overall selection, I believe it'll be because a pass rusher took priority. Latu is the type of game-wrecker a roster requires if they hope to compete for the division title in the AFC West.
