The Detroit Lions have acquired two defensive linemen during NFL free agency. However, CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards still expects the Lions to focus on getting an edge rusher in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. In his most recent mock draft, Edwards chose UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu for the Lions.
Edwards made a prediction that the Lions will pick Latu at No. 29 overall.
“Laiatu Latu would be an amazing find at this point in the first round,” Edwards commented. “He is an excellent match for Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Paschal in that defense.
“The defensive line has now gained D.J. Reader and Latu this offseason.”
Additionally, D.J. Reader, who he signed a 2-year, $22 million deal in the offseason . Moreover, the Lions also added defensive end Marcus Davenport. He signed with a 1-year, $6.5 million contract.
Latu earned He achieved All-American honors and was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. He recorded 13 sacks with 21.5 tackles for loss, 49 total tackles, and 2 forced fumbles in 12 games.
How UCLA’s Laiatu Latu Could Be ‘A Steal’ for the Lions
If Latu is still available late in the first round for the Lions, he wouldn’t just be a great pick at No. 29. He could become the best steal of the entire first day of the 2024 NFL draft.
The consenses draft rankings from ESPN, Pro Football Focus and Bleacher Report all consider Latu as a top 20 prospect in the upcoming draft class. ESPN and Bleacher Report both have him as a top 15 prospect.
Among those three draft rankings, Latu’s highest rating was No. 14 overall from ESPN.
Additionally, ESPN and Bleacher Report see him as the No. 2 edge rusher in the class. PFF has him ranked as No. 3 at his position.
“Latu has the kind of exceptional maturity in his game that is typically seen in NFL veterans,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted. “He rarely remains blocked by tackles as a run defender and dominates blocking tight ends at the college level. His pass-rush approach is well thought out and instinctive, and he excels at seizing control of the play using skilled hands and elusive angles to create opportunities.
“Every aspect of Latu’s skills and performance can be applied to the NFL, and he could become a Pro Bowler as a 3-4 outside linebacker with a major impact on the game.”
The Lions getting one of the top available edge rushers, the premier defensive position in the league, without needing to move up from No. 29, could be universally hailed as “a steal.”
