When the Indianapolis Colts used the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft to take linebacker Laiatu Latu, there was a groan of uncertainty amongst the Horseshoe fanbase. While Latu did earn All-American honors in his senior season with UCLA, he had previously dealt with a serious neck injury that once saw him medically retire from football while at the University of Washington.
Those days seem like a long, long time ago now as the second-year linebacker is making his presence felt on the Colts' defense. Laiatu brought a playmaking ability to the pass rush that Indianapolis needed.