6 intriguing prospects the Vikings should watch closely at the 2024 Senior Bowl

Defensive Prospect No. 3

Laiatu Latu - EDGE (UCLA)

Laiatu Latu from UCLA is one of the highest-ranked prospects in Mobile, Alabama, and one whom the Vikings will be getting a very close look at.

The reason they'll be getting such a close look is because he is being coached by Vikings defensive assistant Imarjaye Albury. They'll get inside info on Latu and should know everything they need by the end of the week.

There's a lot to like about Latu's game. He's not just explosive off the edge but nuclear. He's so quick off the line that he's engaging the blocker before he's even out of his stance.

His production in the last couple of seasons has been off the charts.

In his last two years at UCLA, he's racked up 34 tackles for a loss and 23.5 sacks. That's insane production that would be welcomed on this Vikings' defense.

So far at Senior Bowl practices, he's showing that explosion off the line, and why he's so highly regarded.

While he's an impressive prospect, there are some drawbacks. He almost had to medically retire a few seasons ago, so his medicals at the NFL Scouting Combine will hold a ton of weight. Latu also isn't a natural athlete and doesn't have an ideal wingspan.

That being said, he's widely considered a top-10 prospect in this draft, and if he makes it to pick No. 11, he could be the name on the card that the Vikings turn in.