Ex- UCLA Bruins LB Compared to Top NFL Pass Rusher by All-Pro Defender

There is a reason former UCLA Bruins pass rusher, Laiatu Latu was the first defender off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft. After just a few weeks of training camp and eight snaps in a preseason game, at least one person is convinced of that reason.

Indianapolis Colts star interior defensive lineman, DeForest Buckner went on the Up and Adams Show with Kay Adams and offered a jaw-dropping comparison.

Former UCLA Bruins LB “Definitely Has What It Takes.”

“When I was with Nick [Bosa] his rookie year. Him coming in, going through drills, seeing him with the team;” Buckner told Adams, “I was very encouraged seeing him. I knew he was going to be make a big difference for us moving forward and Latu has the same vibes. I’m not going to lie. I mean I know it’s big shoes. Somebody to really follow, which is Nick Bosa . He is a former defensive player of the year. Latu definitely has all of the characteristics, all the potential in his game and just the guy, the man that he is, he definitely has what it takes.”

Buckner and Bosa played together for one season, Bosa’s rookie year. In that season, Bosa combined for 47 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. He was elected to the Pro Bowl that year and won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Bosa led the eventual NFC Champions that season in total pressures with 80 and second in sacks.

In his final season with the UCLA Bruins, Latu racked up 13 sacks, the most among power five defenders. If Latu is able to live up to the Bosa comparison, he will likely lead the Colts in pressures and sacks. BetOnline currently gives Latu the best odds of winning DROY at +300 , putting his implied odds of winning at 25 percent.

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