Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts could not feel more excited about the way the 2024 NFL Draft went for them. In the first round alone, they were able to steal standout pass-rusher Laiatu Latu with the No. 15 overall pick. That selection alone is going to make a massive impact on the team immediately, starting in his rookie year in 2024.
Latu was widely viewed as the top pass-rusher in the entire draft class. However, there were some injury concerns from some teams with him that may have caused him to drop a bit farther than he would have otherwise.
Following the draft, a video clip went viral of Ballard laughing when Latu fell to them and calling his new rookie the best pass-rusher in the draft.
Now, Latu is receiving a lot of hype ahead of his rookie season. Former NFL defensive back Darius Butler spoke out about him and dropped a massive bold prediction for his 2024 campaign.
“I gotta go Latu. Saw Chris Ballard on draft night. He said, ‘we got the best edge-rusher in the draft’…I think he’ll get after it.”
The Indianapolis Colts Got A Massive Steal With Latu
Just looking at the numbers, the Colts should feel like they got a major steal at No. 15 overall.
During the 2023 season at UCLA, Latu was an absolutely dominant player. He racked up 49 total tackles to go along with 21.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and two defended passes.
Back in 2022, he had another great season as well. He ended up with 36 tackles, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a defended passes.
It’s very clear just from the statistics that Latu is a productive player. He’s disruptive, fast, and he makes plays. Those are qualities that the Colts have needed.
Even though the Colts already boasted a lethal pass-rush during the 2023 NFL season, they wanted to get better. The best teams in the NFL are ones that can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Will he win Rookie of the Year? That seems entirely possible. If he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for him.
Indianapolis has been caught in mediocrity for far too long since Andrew Luck’s shocking retirement. Ballard and the front office have been building the right way over the last few years. With a big second season from young quarterback Anthony Richardson and the rest of the talent they have put together, the playoffs are a very realistic possibility for the Colts.
Expect to see Laiatu Latu make an immediate impact on the Indianapolis Colts. If he develops to his full potential, he’ll easily be one of the top pass-rushing threats in the entire NFL within a few years.
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