As far as a player in college I think they are on the same planet. Will see how it translates to NFL. I'm not saying he is Quinn just has some similar characteristics such as their speed.
Yeah agreed he's not, Quinn was a freak how well he could lean... almost perpendicular to the ground at times coming around the edge. Haven't seen Latu do that kind of play but his speed is very comparable just without the pure athleticism from the hips down like Quinn. So will have to rely on his hands and counter moves more than Quinn ever had to who basically had one unbeatable move.
Anyway, I have also wondered about DE vs OLB with him in NFL. I'm afraid he's going to get blown up in the NFL run game and question his drop back ability as well. I trust the Rams staff to make that call based on what they want from him though if they decide to pick him.
I don't think any of these edges in this draft are super elite types. You'll see guys like Parsons or Clowney once in a while but none of these seem that dominant to me.
Latu in terms of production is as good as it gets. I don't disagree that he will get run on a bit as a rook. But I also don't think he'll have too much problem adjusting. I'd only line him up over RTs if it's an obvious passing down. Otherwise keep him blind side.
The guys who have great talent but don't live up to it worry the shit out of me at positions like Edge. So I'm mentally prepared for Chop to be the pick, wouldn't surprise me, but hopeful he's not the pick. Too much is made of ceilings in the draft at this position. And it's a big deal because when you hit on a high ceiling type you are gonna win a lot of games. But many of the ones who don't produce you're probably looking at a Clowney type track, statistically speaking, where they never really live up to their talent.
And no I haven't run any numbers on that. Just how I see it. I don't hate the thought of going with Chop, and I know we have a Penn St fan who likes the idea so that's partially why I'm luke warm on it. But I'd rather take the dude who just gets to QBs. Latu is relentless man. He doesn't look like much but he's always around that QB. Put that dude on the blindside and Young developing in another camp, maybe a snot bubbler or two added to the middle, and we got ourselves a nasty defensive front boy.