The UCLA Bruins' main claim to the 2024 NFL Draft was star pass rusher Laiatu Latu being selected 15th overall by the Indianapolis Colts. Latu was expected to go anywhere from first to last in the first round, but he landed in the middle.
He was the first defensive player taken off the board and was considered potentially the best in the draft class. The Colts were elated when his name was left and grabbed him as soon as possible.
Now in the new year, many see Latu as having a chance to do some major damage in the NFL. Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus lists Latu as a favorite to win the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
“Latu was the first defenseman to come off the board this year after a dominant 2023 season at UCLA. He earned a pass rush grade of 94.3 PFF and had a pass rush grade of 26.2 last season. In the NFL, Will Anderson Jr., who had a 17.4% pass rush with the Texans, won this award in 2023. Our goal is to be a top contender for the award.”
Latu is viewed by many as the best pure pass rusher in the draft. His ability to easily come off the line of scrimmage impressed scouts and made him a strong draft candidate.
If Latu can find a foothold within the Colts' defense, things should go well. Indianapolis is looking to build on a strong 2023 season, and Latu wants to make a statement as well.
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