Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Laiatu Latu
- UCLA
- Transfer from Washington
- Height-6050
- Weight-265 lbs
- Fifth-year senior
- 4-Star recruit per 247 Sports
- Stats: 100 tackles, 61 solo, 235.5 tackles for loss, 24.0 sacks, 4 passes defended, 5 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 2 interceptions
- Games watched: Coastal Carolina 2023, Arizona 2023, USC 2023
Strengths
When you look at Latu, he looks like a star pass rusher. The size, length and physique pop off the page. He moves with fluid athleticism and looks comfortable dropping back.
Latu has very active hands. He does a great job keeping the offensive lineman from getting engaged with his chest. Latu also has power in his hands and uses them to convert speed to power well.
Quickness off the ball is impressive. Latu gets off the ball and his hand usage softens angles around the edge. He can accelerate quickly in short spaces with ease.
Pass rush moves are at a premium with Latu. He thrives using multiple moves. From swim to speed to power to club rip, you name it, he’s got it in his arsenal.
Weaknesses
Latu has a lot of quickness in short spaces but isn’t very fast in the open field. Looks like he’s lumbering on the field.
Bend isn’t a plus trait for Latu. He gets around the bend well due to his quickness and hand usage but doesn’t get horizontal very well. With improved tackles at the next level, not being able to bend well will hurt his ability to win consistently.
The biggest question with Latu will be his medicals. He was forced to medically retire in April of 2021 at Washington due to a neck injury. He decided to play again in December of 2021 when he transferred to UCLA. What those medicals look like will be important.
Overview
| Bend | 7.8/10 |
| Quickness/Burst | 14.1/15 |
| Finesse | 4.7/5 |
| Power | 4.9/5 |
| Counters | 8.1/10 |
| Awareness | 8.3/10 |
| Run Defense | 8.5/10 |
| Versatility | 8.1/10 |
| Size/Length | 14.3/15 |
| Tackling | 8.2/10 |
| Grade | 87.0/100 First Round |
Latu is a very talented pass rusher but the lack of bend will limit his overall impact. If he had better bend, Latu would be a top-five pick if his medicals come out looking good. As it sits, Latu is still a very good player that should be a first-round pick, barring medicals that is.
