The Broncos are looking for some pass-rushing help if Mel Kiper Jr.’s new NFL mock draft comes true.
The ESPN draft analyst recently released his initial predictions for the 2024 draft and has Denver selecting UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu with the No. 12 pick. The Broncos defense combined for 42 sacks last season, ranking tied for 21st in the NFL, and had just 28 quarterback hurries — second-worst in the league, ahead of Carolina’s 18.
“I love Latu’s ability to bend the edge and get after quarterbacks,” Kiper writes. “He’s a toolsy pass-rusher who has a variety of moves and always has a plan of attack. He ranked second in the FBS in total pressures (57) and pressure rate (20.4%) this past season, and he ranked first in the same categories in 2022 (55 pressures, 19.1% pressure rate). And did I mention he had 23.5 sacks in that time frame? Those are two seasons of phenomenal production. The questions with Latu will come at the NFL combine in a few weeks, as he medically retired from football because of a neck injury when he was at Washington in 2021. He was cleared to play for the Bruins, but what will his medical checkups show?
“For Denver, adding Latu would be a boost to a pass rush that was just OK last season. The Broncos tied for 21st with 42 sacks, but overall they ranked 30th in yards per play allowed (5.8) and 32nd in yards per carry allowed (5.0). Latu has the potential to become a 10-sacks-per-season defender.”
Latu is ranked is ranked as the top outside linebacker available on Kiper’s big board and the No. 16 prospect overall.
The NFL draft takes place April 25-27 in Detroit.
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