Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (hip) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. He had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. It seemed like Latu was a true game-time decision, but in the end, the rookie is suiting up. He'll be tasked with wreaking havoc for fellow first-round pick Caleb Williams. Through limited snaps in two weeks so far, Latu has one tackle and one fumble recovery.
With the No. 15 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Colts selected UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu. There was talk he would go earlier in the night. However, concerns surrounding his neck may have caused him to slide to the middle of the first round. But the Colts took a chance and could benefit by taking a player who totaled 34 sacks in two seasons with the Bruins. At 6'5'', 265 lbs., he may make an impact for IDP managers right out of the gate.
UCLA edge usher Laiatu Latu is one of the top defensive prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he could even be in contention to be the first defender selected. However, NFL insider Peter Schrager said he could fall in the draft due to medical concerns. "Teams are split on the medical," Schrager said. Latu entered college football in 2019 with Washington, but he missed the entire 2020 and 2021 seasons with injuries, and he even medically retired before coming back and transferring to UCLA in 2022. In two seasons with the Bruins, he racked up 34 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks. He has all the talent and makings of an early first-round pick, but several teams will likely be worried about his ability to hold up at the next level.
The Los Angeles Rams have the impossible task of trying to replace the retired Aaron Donald this year, but it would be a big win if they were able to land UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu with the 19th overall pick in the first round of this year's NFL draft. The 6-foot-5, 259-pound former rugby standout was the nation's top lineman in 2023 after he led the FBS with 21.5 tackles for loss while also recording 13 sacks, 49 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. The 23-year-old emerged as a dominant player for the Bruins after a serious neck injury he suffered at Washington. He tested well at the scouting combine and has received rave reviews from coaches. "His arsenal of pass rush is legit. I started writing down the different ways he wins and I was getting up near eight, nine or 10. That's a lot!" one coach said.
