Colts select UCLA edge Laiatu Latu with 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft

Have the Colts found their next great franchise pass rusher in this year’s first round?

The Indianapolis Colts, with the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, selected UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu.

The 6’5,” 259 pound senior edge rusher recorded 49 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 passes defensed, and 2 forced fumbles during 12 starts in 2023—earning unanimous All-American and All-Pac 12 honors, as well as was the recipient of the Ted Hendricks Award and the Lombardi Award, etc.

He has overcome a slew of medical issues, having even contemplated hanging the cleats up at one point, but the Colts were not discouraged from selecting him this early on.

At the recent NFL Combine, Latu recorded a 4.64 forty time, 32” inch vertical jump, as he has a RAS of 9.37 out of a maximum of 10.0.

Here’s his scouting draft profile via NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who called him the “most natural rusher” in this year’s draft class:

“Latu has ideal size, quickness and instincts for the position. As a pass rusher, he can win with his quick get-off or a variety of hand moves. He has an excellent feel for when offensive tackles overset or underset and adjusts accordingly. He doesn’t have elite speed or power, but he wins with technique, bend and savvy. He can corner well at the top of his rush and is an outstanding finisher. Against the run, he’s been inconsistent when it comes to setting the edge. He’s shown the ability to shoot his hands, leverage blockers and hold the point of attack. However, there are other times his pad level is too high and he gets controlled. His effort is outstanding to chase, against both run and pass. Latu did have serious medical issues while at the University of Washington. Overall, Latu is the most skilled pass rusher in this class and should have an immediate impact at the next level.”

Here’s what they’re also saying on Latu: