On the opening night of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected UCLA edge rusher, Laiatu Latu. Considered by many as the best edge rusher in the draft, Latu was the first defensive player taken off the board.
In 2019, Latu began his college career at Washington. In 2021, unfortunately, he would suffer a terrible neck injury which forced him to medically retire from the game. This injury would cause several teams in the 2024 NFL Draft to pause with concern. Would this type of injury, regardless that he is fully cleared, be a potential liability moving forward? The Colts certainly did not think so and trusted in his upside and body of work when healthy.
Laiatu Latu’s Resume at UCLA
After taking the 2021 season off to recover from surgery, Laiatu Latu transferred to UCLA and played two monster seasons. In 2022, Latu finished with 10.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss, 23 solo tackles, and three forced fumbles. If 2022 wasn’t a good enough season, he came back in 2023 with better numbers. In 2023, Latu finished with 13 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, 28 total tackles, two interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. His tackles for loss ranked first in all of the NCAA and his sacks ranked first in all of the Pac-12.
As mentioned, Latu was considered the best edge rusher in the draft. In 2023 alone, Latu was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. He also received two more prestigious awards that included the Ted Hendrick’s Award and the Vince Lombardi Award. His 2023 season is in the history books as one of the best for a pass rusher.
Laiatu Latu’s Physicality
Bottom Line
The Colts need consistency on the edge and they need consistency rushing the passer. Latu will give Indy that needed playmaking ability. Therefore making him a great fit for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Lucky Colt 
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