What grade are you giving the Colts following their surprising selection of UCLA edge Laiatu Latu?
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In a surprise of sorts, the Indianapolis Colts selected UCLA edge Laiatu Latu with the 15th overall pick, who may have slid outside the Top 10 because of medical concerns—including past serious spinal issues, where he was even forced to medically retire.
However, Latu has put together two seasons of playing healthy collegiate football and during that same span, he recorded 23.5 total sacks and 34 tackles for loss.
He was the first defensive player selected in this year’s draft and arguably the top edge—and at the very least, the most natural pass rusher in this year’s class.
For a Colts team that has been snake-bitten by recent franchise-altering injuries, taking one of the most red-flagged injury prospects in this year’s draft class is a bold decision, but it also must speak to how comfortable general manager Chris Ballard is in Latu’s current medicals and proven durability over the past two collegiate seasons.
It’s hard to complain about his talent, natural ability, and high level of production, but the injury concerns will always be there, especially if they ultimately limit or cut-short his playing career. With that all being said, what grade would you give the Colts for selecting Latu in Round 1?
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