Laiatu Latu | UCLA 6’5” | 259 lbs 12/31/2000 (Age 23)
Laiatu Latu was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, becoming the first Edge Rusher, the first overall defensive player selected, and the 15th overall player taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Laiatu Latu is a true comeback story, having previously medically retired from football in 2021. In 2019, Latu started out at the University of Washington and played in 12 games as a reserve recording 16 tackles and 1.5 TFLs. He then suffered a very scary neck injury and did not play in the 2020 or 2021 seasons, as the UW doctors would not clear him to play football. He got new life in 2022, after a transfer to UCLA, and approval from medical staff allowed him to return to the game he loves. Reinvigorated and further developed, Latu then worked his way to become a First-team All-Pac-12 Conference player, leading his new team with 12.5 TFLs and 10.5 sacks. He also recorded three forced fumbles in addition to 36 total tackles. Incredibly, he did all of this as a part-time player.
In 2023 Latu left his best out on the field, winning the Lombardi Award (nation’s top college OL/DL) and Ted Hendricks Award (nation’s top DE). He earned First-team Associated Press All-American and Pac-12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year, as well as First-Team All-Pac-12 Conference. Latu was also a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of the Year Award and the Lott IMPACT Award (Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, Tenacity). Last season he led the FBS with 21.5 TFLs and tied for fourth in the nation with 13.0 sacks. He started all 12 games and compiled 49 tackles, two INTs, two PBUs, and two forced fumbles in addition to all of the pressure he created.
FILM
Laiatu Latu is the best pure pass rusher in the NFL Draft this year. Latu has proven to be a dangerous quarterback hunter with a proven track record. He is an instinctual player who displays a great motor and great hand usage. Latu also displays excellent football IQ and awareness to his game that you usually see from NFL veterans. He is quick to get off blocks by tackles as a run defender and has dominated blocking tight ends on the collegiate level. Latu is great with his hand punch, leverage, and moves, and he shows great anticipation and ability to diagnose players. He has an incredible motor that keeps him pushing forward as a run defender and pass rusher.
Though he had a serious neck injury, once he received the clearance and displayed durability at UCLA, his stock began to skyrocket. At the Senior Bowl, Latu practiced well before missing the final practice with a mild injury. Latu probably has the highest ceiling of any pass rusher in the NFL Draft.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Laiatu Latu recorded a 4.64 40-yard dash with a 1.62-second 10-yard split. He disappointed a bit with his jumps, posting a 9’8” broad jump and a 32” vertical jump. He chose to sit out the shuttle, three-cone drill, and bench press. Most importantly, he appeared to have passed the medical concerns that plagued him from a scary neck injury he suffered at Washington early in his collegiate career.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent
Latu was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Laiatu Latu lands in the top 15 as most analysts had projected (pending the medicals) and joins an incredible situation in Indianapolis. With an established dominant force in DeForest Buckner and a bookend rusher in Kwity Paye across from him, he will already face one vs. one blocker the majority of his rookie year and won’t be expected to come in and dominate. Latu already plays with a great IQ, so the landing spot benefits him even more. Laiatu Latu can learn from established and respected veterans in the Colts defensive locker room and should also benefit from a team that boasts strong time of possession, with Jonathan Taylor, Anthony Richardson, and a strong offensive line on the other side of the ball.
Honestly, Latu was listed as your author’s DE2 of this very strong rookie edge rusher class with his superior physical tools and potential. However, having learned of this incredible landing spot, he now looks positioned to be the DE1 of the class and dynasty IDP rookie drafts. Assuming he can stave off injury, Latu should develop into a cornerstone player in dynasty IDP leagues and has the upside to become a top-ten EDGE eventually. Expect to see him drafted early in the early-to-mid second round of dynasty rookie drafts.
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