According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Minnesota Vikings are bringing in UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu for a pre-draft Top 30 visit on Tuesday.
Latu, a projected first-round pick, stands out as one of the premier pass rushers in this year’s draft class, although concerns about his medical history are prompting teams, including the Vikings, to scrutinize his health closely.
Initially starting his college journey at Washington, Latu encountered a setback prior to his sophomore year when a neck injury cast doubt on his future in football.
Forced to sit out the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he later transferred to UCLA after being cleared by their medical staff. Since then, Latu has emerged as a standout performer, dominating the Pac-12 conference over the last two seasons.
In his latest campaign, the 23-year-old recorded impressive statistics, including 13 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss (TFL), two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and an outstanding 96.3 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade, leading all edge rushers in the nation. In the previous season, he notched 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Latu possesses desirable physical attributes, exceptional athleticism, and a high level of technical proficiency as a pass rusher. However, his draft stock could be impacted by lingering concerns regarding his medical history.
While the Vikings have shown a willingness to take risks on players with injury backgrounds in the past, the disappointments surrounding previous selections such as Andrew Booth Jr. and Marcus Davenport serve as cautionary tales.
In preparation for the upcoming draft, the Vikings are thoroughly evaluating several top defensive prospects. Recently, they welcomed Dallas Turner, Byron Murphy II, and Quinyon Mitchell for visits.
Whether or not they decide to trade up from their current draft positions at 11 and 23 for a quarterback, the team is ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of all defensive options available.
Latu, unlike the prospects who visited on Monday, could potentially be on the board when the Vikings make their selection at 23, especially if they secure J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr. with the 11th pick.
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