1. Laiatu Latu, UCLA

23
6’5″, 259lbs

Latu, who previously played at Washington for 2 years, transferred to UCLA for the final 2 years of his eligibility. He exploded on the scene and recorded 34 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks as a Bruin in 2 years. He was awarded with the 2023 Vince Lombardi Award which is given to the best lineman in the nation. It is important to note that Latu suffered a neck injury that sidelined him in his sophomore year.

Strengths
– Extremely long frame and has the body control to contort to different angles.
– Fast strong hands paired with pumping legs make him a force to stop on the outside.
– Already has a complete arsenal of rush moves to help him get to the quarterback.
– Has the athletic ability to drop in coverage when needed.
– Is versatile enough to line up anywhere on the defensive front.
– Works through traffic and gets eyes on the ball carrier.
– High motor edge rusher who only gets better as the game goes along.

Weaknesses
– Has some injury concerns as he had a neck injury while at Washington.
– Could look to build out his slender-like frame.
– Can get pushed off the line in the run game.

Latu could go anywhere at the top end of the first round of the NFL Draft. Teams looking for a long edge rusher that can do it all would be happy to select Latu. He is projected to go somewhere between picks 8-16.

2. Dallas Turner, Alabama

21
6’3″, 247lbs

Dallas Turner played 3 full years with the Crimson Tide under coach Nick Saban. Turner boasted the prestigious SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. He won that award by leading the SEC in sacks with 10, and added on another 14.5 tackles for loss to his career total of 32.5.

Strengths
– Very quick hands to disrupt a pass blockers pass set.
– Super fast off the snap of the ball, puts offensive linemen on their heels.
– Fights through blockers with relentless effort and burst.
– If there is space give, he builds up momentum and unleashes it on the tackle.
– Freak athlete that is able to cover the running back in the flat.
– Is able to get after the quarterback with ease if plays are extended.

Weaknesses
– Doesn’t have a firm enough base to prevent being pushed off the ball.
– Hands could use some technique and find tuning.
– Rushing plan needs to be coached as he prefers a speed-to-power rush on every down.

Turner is 1 of 4 edge rushers that could go as early as 8 to the Falcons in this years draft. Look for him to be gone within the top 16 picks in 2024.

3. jared Verse, Florida state

23
6’4″, 254lbs

Surprisingly, Verse wasn’t highly recruited coming into college. The 2 year college star from Florida State previously played at Albany. In both of his years as a Seminole, he recorded 9 sacks and 12.5+ tackles for loss.

Strengths
– Explosive off the snap of the ball, makes linemen chase him back to the quarterback
– Rare speed to power rush that takes linemen by surprise.
– Has the ability to elude the tight end coming to chip, and attack linemen in space.
– Violent hands to help succeed in his rush.
– Quick to get onto the blocker and power them back into the pocket.

Weaknesses
– Can struggle against larger offensive linemen.
– Needs to work on his footwork and fundamentals as a tackler.
– Light base makes him susceptible to being pushed off the line as a run defender.

Verse has been mock drafted to the Falcons at 8, and the Bears at 9. It will be interesting to see where the prospect lands on draft night.

4. Chop Robinson, Penn State

21
6’3″, 254lbs

“Pork Chop” Robinson is a nightmare for tackles on the outside. His sprinter-like get off is what helped him make a name for himself at the college level. His production wasn’t phenomenal, however, he still recorded 4 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss as a senior at Penn State.

Strengths
– Shot out of a cannon at the snap of the ball.
– Elite level athleticism that gives him the opportunity to overwhelm offensive linemen.
– Plays with natural leverage and arm angles.
– Crashes down the line of scrimmage when playing against the run.
– Really strong base and lower body fluidity.
– Sets the edge well, even against bigger tackles.

Weaknesses
– Relies heavily on beating linemen to the outside.
– Hand usage needs some fine tuning and development.
– Can get his legs moving too quickly and lose his footing.

Robinson could go anywhere in the middle of the first round. He may fall slightly as he is on the smaller side, however, his quick get off is a trait that teams will love. Teams like Miami (21), and Minnesota (23), could be options for him at the pro level.