Brendan Donahue, from Sharp Football Analysis, the #1 most accurate mock drafter over the past five NFL seasons according to The Huddle Report, made predictions for every team including the Los Angeles Rams.
Los Angeles Rams Take Laiatu Latu In Draft According To Sharp Football Analysis
Donahue has the Rams taking UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu at pick 19. The position has been one of the hottest topics for the team this offseason after struggling to get sufficient quarterback pressures late last season. According to the mock draft, both Dallas Turner and Jared Verse will be off the board by the time they pick, but they opted for Latu over Chop Robinson, who was still available.
The Rams also passed on several cornerbacks, Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo, Nate Wiggins from Clemson,
and Cooper DeJean from Iowa.
Los Angeles Rams Draft: 3 Offensive Tackles To Watch At NFL Combine
Latu was one of college football’s most productive pass rushers last season for UCLA. He tallied 13 sacks in 12 games. While he isn’t seen as the most athletic outside linebacker in the draft, which was confirmed by his performance at the NFL Combine. His Relative Athletic Score points out what was already thought to be true, good but not great with below-average explosion.
Latu is a tactician with, perhaps, the most skilled hands and feet in the class. The Rams also require their edge rushers to drop into coverage. Latu did well when doing so, he earned Pro Football Focus’ top grade in that phase, 94.8, but it is a limited sample size. He played just 21 snaps while in coverage. He was only targeted five times and picked off two passes, which bodes well.
His durability was thought to be a red flag heading into the combine, but according to him, teams were not concerned. He was medically retired after suffering a neck injury early in his college days.
