Colts pick UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu: Draft profile, college stats, highlights
The Indianapolis Colts chose pass rusher Laiatu Latu 15th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the first defensive player chosen. The 2023 unanimous All-American from UCLA won the Hendricks and Lombardi awards after the season.
However, this pick comes with one huge question.
Laiatu Latu once retired with neck injury
There's no doubting his skill, but there are plenty of questions about his health. He has suffered serious neck injuries, forcing him to retire in 2021 after two seasons at Washington.
Colts news: Colts draft pick Laiatu Latu has cited Peyton Manning's recovery from neck injury as inspiration
However, he was determined to play again, and joined UCLA, where he played two stellar seasons.
Latu has noted the recovery Peyton Manning made from a neck injury that prompted his departure from the Indianapolis Colts after the 2011 season. Manning played four seasons in Denver to conclude his career.
Some have compared Latu's situation to Leighton Vander Esch, who recently retired after six seasons. Vander Esch made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, but struggled to stay on the field in several seasons.
Draft grade: Laiatu Latu to Colts in NFL draft: Instant grade, analysis, stats for 15th pick
Laiatu Latu NFL Draft profile
From Lance Zierlien of NFL.com: Latu possesses the kind of rare maturity to his game that you usually see from NFL veterans. He rarely stays blocked by tackles as a run defender and dominates blocking tight ends on the collegiate level. His pass-rush approach is both well conceived and instinctive, and he’s brilliant at taking possession of the rep using clever hands and slippery angles to pry open opportunities. His eyes play beyond blockers, and he feeds off of a voracious motor that keeps him pushing forward as a run defender and pass rusher. Concerns surrounding his neck injury (while at Washington) will certainly come into play when he gets to medical exams, but his durability and play at UCLA are certainly promising. Everything about Latu’s skill set and production is translatable to the NFL, and he could become a Pro Bowler as a 3-4 outside linebacker with a heavy influence on the game.
Laiatu Latu stats
At two seasons at UCLA (2022-23), he was in on 85 tackles, including 23.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss. He also had 2 interceptions and 3 passes defended. He played as a freshman at Washington in 2019 and did not play in 2020 before his retirement.
Laiatu Latu at the NFL combine
40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds
10-yard split: 1.62 seconds
Vertical jump: 32 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches
NFL.com rated his combine "production score" 1st overall among edge rushers, his "athleticism score" 8th, and his total score 1st.
Laiatu Latu height, weight
6-5, 259 pounds.
How old is Laiatu Latu?
Latu is 23 years old.
Where is Laiatu Latu from?
Latu was born in Sacramento, California. He played at Jesuit High School there.
Laiatu Latu highlights
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts take UCLA's Laiatu Latu in Round 1: NFL draft profile
