Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Still, if the Bengals are going to continue their search for an elite pass-rushing end like that evasive feeling of wanderlust after reintegrating back to Ohio after spending time on the beaches of Monaco, UCLA edge defender Laiatu Latu should be high in their draft plans.
Last season, the Bruins edge rusher led the nation in pressure percentage.
Tyree Wilson played 10 games in 2022 before suffering a broken bone in his foot that ended his season.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 28, 2023
His 18% pressure percentage was 2nd highest in FBS last season, after UCLA’s Laiatu Latu. pic.twitter.com/dU1g76qEja
Latu converted some of those pressures into 10.5 sacks which was good for the eighth most in college. Changing hurries to sacks is something Cincinnati’s defense must get better at soon.
Laiatu Latu: 11 QB pressures vs Pitt in the Sun Bowl
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 7, 2023
Most by any player in a bowl game this season pic.twitter.com/EVWsxC6eqx
Latu lines up everywhere when rushing the passer. Whether he starts as an edge, 3-4 or 4-3 end, defensive tackle, or linebacker, he can get to the quarterback from anywhere. He truly is a pass-rush specialist.
UCLA Bruins got an incredible breakout season from transfer Laiatu Latu (#15). Here he does a great job showing off his burst by quickly running the arc to bring down Caleb Williams.
— Nick Price (checkmark) (@PriceCheck3) May 9, 2023
Latu is a player who is poised for another big year in 2023. pic.twitter.com/FOVZPyblx6
But the edge rusher can also drop back into coverage and make plays on the boundary. All of this versatility makes Latu a perfect defender for what coach Anarumo loves to do.
Along with his 10.5 sacks, Latu had 12.5 tackles for loss and 36 total tackles in 2022.
The expectation is that the Bengals will be too good to select Latu in the first round in 2024 but crazy things happen leading up to the draft. If he were there whenever Cincinnati is on the clock, we should hope the team sprints to the podium as fast as Latu gets to quarterbacks. Or as quickly as you ran to your connection in Paris for Marseille. Charles De Gaulle Airport can get crazy.
Latu is a pass-rusher fans should watch intently. That is, if your time zone makes it possible to do so.