While it wasn’t spectacular, Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu had a real solid rookie year and could be poised for a breakout sophomore campaign.
Laiatu Latu
Indianapolis Colts · Edge
I thought Latu was the best pass rusher in the 2024 draft, but we didn’t see his full potential last season. He posted four sacks as a rotational piece in the Colts’ defensive front, which returns Samson Ebukam — who missed all of last season with an Achilles injury — and added edge rusher JT Tuimoloau in the second round of April’s draft. Latu is surrounded by talent but he has the opportunity to show his skills as a Trey Hendrickson-like force under Lou Anarumo, who’s entering his first season as defensive coordinator after six years as the Bengals’ DC.
As the first defensive player chosen in last year’s draft class, the 6’5,” 265 pound pass rusher (with 32 3/4” arms) recorded 32 tackles (16 solo), 5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 39 QB total pressures, 3 forced fumbles, a passes defensed, and a fumble recovery during 17 games (1 start) in 2024.
With the return of veteran defensive end Samson Ebukam, as well as the addition of 2nd rounder JT Tuimoloau, Latu will likely be deployed more situationally as a pass rushing specialist, predominantly playing on passing downs.
That being said, with fresher legs, he could really thrive in new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense as a situational sackmaster off the edge—who coached reigning Cincinnati Bengals’ First-Team All-Pro Trey Hendrickson to new career heights.
With an Indy defensive line that also features DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, and former first rounder Kwity Paye, Latu is playing along one of the NFL’s better defensive fronts—and should get his fair share of one-on-one opportunities, even as a pass rusher.