No longer a rookie, Latu should be ready to turn last season’s lessons into this year’s results.
When the Indianapolis Colts drafted Laiatu Latu in the first round out of UCLA in the 2024 NFL draft, there were some who bemoaned the pick as a mistake. A player who was encouraged to medically retire just a few years prior from a neck injury made fans and analysts alike nervous. Latu put up solid numbers since the injury, but the feeling that the injury could impact him down the line lingered. Latu put those fears to rest by appearing in all seventeen games for the Colts and showing flashes of what he can do. He was inconsistent and has room to grow, but the same can be said for any rookie. The experience Latu gained last year needs to be put to full use in 2025 as he has an incredible opportunity to make a giant leap in year two.
In his first year, Latu tallied four sacks, three forced fumbles, and twelve quarterback hits. That was done through one start and limited snaps. Expect those numbers to rise in 2025 as the Colts will look to utilize his ability more frequently. Samson Ebukam will be back, but he is now 30. Kwity Paye hasn’t shown much during his Colts tenure to be excited about, and Dayo Odeyingbo has gone to the Bears. All of that points to more playing time for Latu. He will get his opportunities. He simply has to be ready.
Pass rushers can take a minute to adjust to the NFL. What worked in college to overpower or get around linemen doesn’t always translate to the professional game. Not only will Latu have a year under his belt, but a new defensive coordinator, Luo Anarumo, could work wonders. Anarumo helped turn Trey Hendrickson into an absolute stud during his time in Cincinnati. Yes, the lion’s share of credit falls to Hendrickson, but you have to believe Anarumo played a role in his development. Take that coaching and insert it into a more pressure focused scheme with non-traditional looks and rush points and Latu could thrive.
Chris Ballard has been hunting for a top-notch defensive end for nine years. The results haven’t been there, but just because Latu didn’t have a rookie season for the ages, it doesn’t mean he can’t get there. He has the raw ability and the tools. What he lacked last year, he now has; the experience. He has a year in the system and the league. That is invaluable. Pair that with a new coordinator who will get the best out of him, and the sky’s the limit. Expect Latu’s sacks to potentially double and his hits to do the same. 2025 could be Latu’s year to breakout and make a name for himself in Indianapolis.