Analysis of the 2024 NFL Draft for the Indianapolis Colts: Can Laiatu Latu be a Defensive Asset for the Team?

Flash back to this time last year when the Colts made a bold move by selecting Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson with the fifth overall pick. Richardson showed promise as a rookie, starting from day one in Indy. However, his season was cut short by a devastating injury, which also derailed the Colts’ playoff hopes.

Despite Richardson’s setback, the Colts fought hard and narrowly missed the playoffs. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as they ended up with a higher draft pick than expected. With that pick, they landed UCLA EDGE rusher Laiatu Latu, widely regarded as one of the most NFL-ready defensive players in the entire 2024 NFL Draft.

Could Laiatu Latu be a transformative force for the Indianapolis Colts’ defense?

The Colts’ 2024 NFL Draft selections included:
– Round 1, Pick 15: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
– Round 2, Pick 52: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
– Round 3, Pick 79: Matt Goncalves, OT, Pittsburgh
– Round 4, Pick 117: Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin
– Round 5, Pick 142: Anthony Gould, WR, Oregon State
– Round 5, Pick 151: Jaylon Carlies, S, Missouri
– Round 5, Pick 164: Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn
– Round 6, Pick 201: Micah Abraham, CB, Marshall
– Round 7, Pick 234: Jonah Laulu, DT, Oklahoma

With Latu’s selection, the Colts aim to strengthen their defensive front while also adding a potential top target for Richardson in Adonai Mitchell.