The Indianapolis Colts selected UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, with GM Chris Ballard acknowledging they got lucky with the pick, despite concerns about Latu's previous neck injury.

By the Numbers
  • Latu missed two seasons due to neck surgery before returning to football.
  • Colts GM Ballard mentioned they considered trading up but ultimately stayed put at 15th overall.
  • Latu recorded 22.5 sacks during his two full seasons of play at UCLA.
Yes, But

There were concerns about Latu's health due to his past neck injury, but the Colts are confident in their assessment and his potential.

State of Play
  • Colts see Latu as a key addition to diversify their pass rush packages.
  • They identified Latu as one of the elite players in the draft, focusing on bolstering their defense.
What's Next

The Colts expect Latu to contribute early as a pass rusher but acknowledge the learning curve for a rookie in the NFL.

Bottom Line

Despite concerns, the Colts are optimistic about Latu's potential impact and believe he adds significant depth and talent to their defensive front, emphasizing the importance of character in their draft selections.