The Detroit Lions will most likely have the opportunity to choose an impactful edge rusher at No. 29 overall. However, with a higher overall pick, they will have a better chance of snagging one of the top edge prospects, such as UCLA’s Laiatu Latu.
According to Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report, it would make sense for the Lions to acquire the Dallas Cowboys’ No. 24 overall pick.
Fowler proposed that the Lions trade their first-round pick and the 73rd overall pick to the Cowboys in exchange for the 24th overall pick and a fourth-round pick in 2025. With the trade up, Fowler suggested the Lions target one of the top three edge rushers in the class: UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, Alabama’s Dallas Turner, or Florida State’s Jared Verse.
“For Detroit, leapfrogging Tampa Bay (No. 26) could be its best shot at adding the edge-rusher it desires,” he wrote.
“Having a shot at one of the three premier edge-rushers in the class could remain the priority for GM Brad Holmes.”
Those three edge rushers have been on mock draft lists this spring in varying combinations. But, according to Bleacher Report’s consensus board, Latu is the most likely of the top edge rushers to remain on the board at No. 24.Latu has several positive characteristics, but there is considerable concern about his draft stock. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein described him as having “boom-or-bust potential.”
“Concerns surrounding his neck injury (while at Washington) will certainly come into play when he gets to medical exams, but his durability and play at UCLA are certainly promising,” Zierlein said in a statement. “Everything about Latu’s skill set and production is translatable to the NFL, and he could become a Pro Bowler as a 3-4 outside linebacker with a heavy influence on the game.”
How UCLA’s Laiatu Latu Can Fit With the Lions
The Lions struggled with pass defense last season. That has caused many observers to believe Detroit should pursue a cornerback early in the 2024 selection. However, the Lions may also need an edge rusher.
Detroit was tied for 23rd in sacks last season, with 41.
In free agency, the Lions signed Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reader. However, none signed a deal longer than two years.
With their first pick in 2024, the Lions might target an edge rusher to combine with rising star Aidan Hutchinson.
Latu might be that player. At the absolute least, he would provide excellent value at No. 24, even if the Lions had to give up another draft selection to acquire him.
ESPN, Pro Football Focus, and Bleacher Report all rank Latu in the top 15 of their draft boards. Latu has been ranked as low as 14th in all of these draft rankings.
PFF holds Latu in high respect. PFF ranks the UCLA prospect as the top edge rusher and No. 10 overall talent in the class.
If the Lions pick him at No. 24, he could be one of the best bargains in the first round.
Will the Lions trade up in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft?
If Latu is available when the Cowboys make their decision, the Lions should consider moving up five spots. However, it is difficult to predict with precision if he will be on the board at that position.
It’s also unclear what other prospects the Lions could want to trade up for in the first round. However, in recent months, there have been speculations that Detroit could move up for either Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell or Alabama’s Terrion Arnold.
However, trading down is also an option. That could be difficult to accomplish with the NFL draft taking place in Detroit. However, Lions general manager Brad Holmes indicated that such a trade is being considered.
“Look, we have to do the right thing for the organization,” Holmes stated on April 18, according to Jeff Risdon of USA Today. “If it makes sense, lines up, and is the correct thing to do, we must act accordingly. If the fans have been waiting all night for this pick and we receive an offer that we can’t refuse and makes sense, we have to do the right thing.”
The first round of the NFL draft starts at 8 p.m. ET.
