The Indianapolis Colts surprised many by selecting defensive end Laiatu Latu from UCLA with their first-round pick, despite his injury history.

By the Numbers
  • Latu recorded 85 tackles, 23.5 sacks, and 34 tackles for loss in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Yes, But

Despite Latu's talent, concerns exist about his past neck injury and its potential impact on his performance.

State of Play
  • The Colts added Latu to bolster their pass rush, joining a defensive line with notable players like Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye.
  • New defensive line coach Charlie Partridge is expected to work well with Latu in enhancing the team's defense.
What's Next

If Latu's health remains stable, he could significantly elevate the Colts' defensive capabilities and provide a potent pass-rushing threat.

Bottom Line

The Colts took a calculated risk by selecting Latu, aiming to strengthen their defense and boost their pass-rushing effectiveness, potentially earning a promising grade of A-.