Potential Raiders Draft Pick: DE UCLA Laiatu Latu.

In an effort to strengthen their roster, the Las Vegas Raiders want to select young players in the 2024 NFL Draft. With the start of a new era for the Raiders, General Manager Tom Telesco and Coach Antonio Pierce plan to use this draft class to lay the groundwork for their club. With nine picks in 2017 draft, the Raiders may add players at many positions to create a youthful core that will thrill Raider Nation.

One of those players could be UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu. After transferring from Washington in 2021, Latu wrapped up his career with the Bruins. He was a unanimous All-American and won several awards, including the Ted Hendricks Award and the Lombardi Award. Latu was also a two-time First-Team All-Pac 12 member. Latu finished his collegiate career with 100 total tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 24 sacks. He was also named 2023 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. On tape, Latu is massive. He stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 264 pounds. He has a unique pre-snap positioning when he puts two hands in the ground, bending his lower body so he can spring up quickly off the snap.

The Las Vegas Raiders and UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu could be a perfect match in the 2024 NFL Draft.Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports Latu is an excellent athlete and knows how to use his frame. He explodes off the line and uses his strength to push back offensive linemen. He has quick hands and can disengage with blockers quickly to make a tackle. Latu can also line up with his hand in the dirt or as a stand-up rusher.

Latu depends on more than simply his brute force. He can commit to memory a large variety of pass-rush maneuvers. He has the ability to swim, cross-chop, and bend outside. If required, Latu can also align on the inside. There is one major issue with Latu, though. He had to retire medically at Washington due to a neck ailment. Even though he eventually made a comeback to football, his medical records would surely raise red flags for teams. Due to his short arms, Latu can find it challenging to extend and stab opponents at a higher level. Since he is a mediocre athlete, more athletic tackles will be able to outmuscle him.

Latu is arguably the best edge rusher in the draft, rivaled only by Alabama’s Dallas Turner and Florida State’s Jared Verse. If he is available when the Raiders select at No. 13, they could add him and bolster their pass rush. The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.