Have the Colts found their next great franchise pass rusher in this year’s first round?
The Indianapolis Colts, with the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, selected UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu—having been a primary beneficiary of the sackmaster sliding out of the Top 10 because of six quarterbacks selected within the Top 12 picks:
Got something Bruin.
Welcome to Indy, @laiatu_latu! pic.twitter.com/YzRxYKX3YK
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 26, 2024
The 6’5,” 259 pound senior edge rusher recorded 49 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 passes defensed, and 2 forced fumbles during 12 starts in 2023—earning unanimous All-American and All-Pac 12 honors, as well as was the recipient of the Ted Hendricks Award and the Lombardi Award, etc.
He also participated in this year’s Senior Bowl.
Latu has overcome a slew of spinal medical issues, having even contemplated hanging the cleats up at one point, but the Colts were not discouraged from selecting him this early on.
At the recent NFL Combine, Latu recorded a 4.64 forty time, 32” inch vertical jump, as he has a RAS of 9.37 out of a maximum of 10.0.
Here’s his scouting draft profile via NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who called him the “most natural rusher” in this year’s draft class:
“Latu has ideal size, quickness and instincts for the position. As a pass rusher, he can win with his quick get-off or a variety of hand moves. He has an excellent feel for when offensive tackles overset or underset and adjusts accordingly. He doesn’t have elite speed or power, but he wins with technique, bend and savvy. He can corner well at the top of his rush and is an outstanding finisher. Against the run, he’s been inconsistent when it comes to setting the edge. He’s shown the ability to shoot his hands, leverage blockers and hold the point of attack. However, there are other times his pad level is too high and he gets controlled. His effort is outstanding to chase, against both run and pass. Latu did have serious medical issues while at the University of Washington. Overall, Latu is the most skilled pass rusher in this class and should have an immediate impact at the next level.”
Here’s what they’re also saying on Latu:
Laiatu Latu
6046
259
32 5/8 arm
78 1/4 wingTrey Hendrickson
6040
266
32 arm
77 1/8 wingI liked this comp on tape
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) February 29, 2024
Laiatu Latu’s pass rush win rate in college was up there with the Bosa’s pic.twitter.com/VjqOUbIhvG
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 26, 2024
Laiatu Latu is the best pure pass rusher in the draft. My NFL comp for him.
Our full list➡️: https://t.co/nsXlOfNWU0 pic.twitter.com/q7xXF4Eufk
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) April 8, 2024
Laiatu Latu at UCLA pro day
3-cone: 7.09
Short shuttle: 4.34Really strong times for a 267-pound edge rusher.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 19, 2024
Latu is the first defensive player off the board—and most guys I talked to said he had the best tape of any edge rusher in the draft. The question is medical with him. His neck condition is considered to be like Leighton Vander Esch’s was coming out. https://t.co/fVWq3K8WpY
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 26, 2024
Laiatu Latu had easily the best tape of any defensive player in the entire draft class.
He’s as advanced of a pass rusher as you’ll find coming out of college.
As long as his health holds up, that’s an absolute steal for the Colts.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 26, 2024
UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu over the past two seasons:
95.4 PFF Grade (1st)
27 Sacks (1st)
126 Pressures (2nd)
23% Pass Rush Win Rate (1st)
94.5 Pass Rush Grade (1st) pic.twitter.com/61X0oX6ypR— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 1, 2024
.@Colts @laiatu_latu is the best defensive player in this draft #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/uy8omNDJlW
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 26, 2024
The Colts have swung and missed at SO many edge rushers during the Chris Ballard era.
None have been as good as Latu. Absolutely love this pick for them. Could easily make the argument he’s the best defensive player in the draft. 5th overall for me.
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) April 26, 2024