The Bucs announced Tuesday that they will be releasing outside linebacker Shaq Barrett at the beginning of the 2024 league year, making finding another talented pass rusher even more prominent as a need for the team. This is a position they can challenge with the 26th pick in the first round of the 2024 draft, and one player to keep an eye on is UCLA’s Laiatu Ratu.
Pewter Report interviewed the talented pass rusher this week at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and asked him about whether he met with Tampa Bay, how he will fit in with the Bucs, and more.
Laiatu Ratu officially talks with Bucks, wants to play for JTS
At the NFL Combine, Laiatu Latu met with the Bucks in person and revealed that he thought it went well.
“I’ve met with the Bucs and I think it went well,” Latu said. “Especially my son over there, Joe Tryon Soyinka, I want to play with him. It worked out well.”
Bucs OLB Joe Tryon Soyinka and UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Ratu went out of his way to mention Tryon Soyinka. He was a teammate at the University of Washington as a freshman in 2019, and Tryon Soyinka was also a sophomore. Tampa Bay has shown a trend of acquiring former Huskies, including Tryon Soyinka, Vita Vea, Cade Otton and Greg Gaines.
he later revealed He said it was a formal meeting with the Bucs and they talked about how he would fit into Todd Bowles’ defense.
“They put Vita Vea inside, who was a really great nose tackle,” Latu said. “I feel like I fit in well. I was able to make one-one-ones on the outside and especially when I was playing with Joe Tryon-Soyinka, he was like a big brother to me when I was in Washington.” So, he took me under his wing and taught me what success looks like. Being with him will not only motivate you but also inspire you. ”
Back in 2019, Latu was just starting out, appearing in eight games and recording half a sack. After that, he would go on quite a journey to get back to playing college football.
Laiatu Ratu takes nothing for granted on the soccer field
Heading into his second season, Laiatu Ratu suffered a serious neck injury and will medically retire from football in 2021. After being cleared to resume his playing career, Latu chose to remain on the West Coast and transfer to UCLA.
When talking about his journey to this point, he talked about a time when he had to step away from the game he loved.
UCLA EDGE Laiatu Ratu – Photo courtesy of USA Today
“I never gave in to it,” Latu said. “I continually trained, got stronger, worked on my pass rush moves and stuff like that. I just really stuck to my dreams and never gave up. When I was a kid, I wanted to be in the NFL. I had a dream to be in this moment and I never gave up on it. God was with me through it all and blessed me to be here at this moment.”
Since his return to action, Latu has become a threat to opposing offensive tackles and quarterbacks trying to escape his grasp. He had 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2022, and increased his sack count to 13 last year, adding two forced fumbles and an interception each.
He approached each game as if it were his last, mindful not to take his experience for granted.
“I didn’t coin this phrase, but there is a saying: ‘As it will be the last time,'” Ratu said of his philosophy. “I bring it into the classroom, I bring it into the conference room, I write it at the top of my notebook. It’s really just a reminder to do everything like it’s the last time. Just play soccer. Even when you’re doing something, studying, etc., know that this may be your last chance to do it, this may be your last time. Give it your all.”
Laiatu Latu’s movement, production should pique Bucks’ interest
Given the path he took to get his football career off the ground, many teams should be interested in the 6-4, 261-pound edge rusher. That includes the Bucks. The only thing that could knock him off the board are concerns surrounding his neck injury, and if he falls within range, Tampa Bay could draft him, a young outside line. Adding him to the backer room would be a no-brainer.
Bucks GM Jason Licht – Photo by Adam Slivon/PR
General Manager Jason Licht There seems to be a sense of security regarding in-house options. It’s hard to ignore a rising pass rusher on the roster with double-digit sack potential. Laiatu Ratu believes his career continues to trend upwards.
“Just the fact that I continue to grow as a player and as a person on and off the field,” Latu said. “Continually watching me grow and get double-digit sacks every year.”
If you watch his films and highlights, you can see how he can be successful. He has great flex and can use that finesse to beat offensive linemen and get to the backfield in a hurry.
When asked about his best ability, Latu said, “The ability to bend at the top of the rush.” “I was able to get through the tackle, which made it difficult for them to fight back and block me at the top of the rush. Throw your body toward the quarterback and stay as close to the ground as possible.”
As in the case of Other young star Bucks defensemen, Laiatu Ratu still has a lot of room to grow. It’s no surprise that the team has formally spoken with him, and he’s one of the names to keep an eye on in the weeks leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft.
