Laiatu Latu visits NFL franchise with 2 top-10 picks

UCLA's star defensive end Laiatu Latu is visiting the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Latu posted a picture from Halas Hall, the Bears' headquarters, to his Instagram Stories. This is one of several pre-draft visits for Latu, who is expected to be a first-round pick this year.

The Bears have two first-round picks this year, the No. 1 overall pick and the No. 9 overall pick. While many expect Chicago to take USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick, who they will take in the top ten down the road is far more uncertain.

Chicago does have a strong defensive lineman in Montez Sweat, who they traded for from the Washington Commanders during the 2023 season, but outside of Sweat they lack much depth or standout rushers. If they were to sign Latu, they would be bringing in one of the best defensive players in college football last season.

During his final college season at UCLA, Latu was one of the best defensive linemen and pass rushers in college football. Latu recorded 13 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and 21.5 tackles for loss in 2023. He ranked first in the FBS in tackles for loss and ranked third in sacks. He was a unanimous All-American.

Latu also shared a picture of him and Jim Harbaugh from his visit to the Los Angeles Chargers. Neither visit guarantees he will be selected by this team, but shows there is a lot of interest in him.