The rookie is drawing incredbile praise and being compared to NFL top tier talent.
Tarell Basham
Tyquan Lewis
Kwity Paye
Dayo Odeyingbo
Those are a few of the names that Chris Ballard has drafted to fill the hole that pass rushing greats like Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis left. While players like Paye and Obdeyingbo still have time, they haven’t jumped off the page like rookie Laiatu Latu has during his short stint with the Indianapolis Colts. Coaches, teammates, fans, and analysts alike are all singing his praises.
The below post from Stampede Blue’s own, Jay Robins, is packed with pure excitement about the team’s first overall pick in April’s draft. Freeney compares Latu to the Bosa brothers in the below clip, but it isn’t just talk. Check out the chart Jay provides. What stands out? Well, there is a massive clump of players regarding their pass rush win rates and then there are three names that stand alone: the Bosa brothers and Latu.
DeForest Buckner, best Colts DT in Indianapolis era & former teammate to Nick:
“Latu has very similar vibes to Nick Bosa”
Dwight Freeney: “Laiatu Latu’s game reminds me of the Bosa brothers”
& his college production certainly backs up these comps. The sky is the limit w/ Latu https://t.co/zCEU7jhYkH pic.twitter.com/ERUj5qi96G
— Jay Robins mark (@RobinsLucas) August 30, 2024
The Bosa brothers are the gold standard on the defensive side of the ball. Between them and T.J. Watt, who is more of a force to be reckoned with? Although it is a collegiate stat, there is no better company for Latu to be in currently. It isn’t just all projection, however, as some of that skill was on display during the team’s matchup against the Bengals. Baldy is loving what he is seeing.
.@Colts @laiatu_latu first play last night he hit the left tackle with his “cross chop” for a sack. But he is far advanced than just one move. Je is going to be a force!! #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/psZpKDev6i
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 23, 2024
Granted, there is a long way to go before Laiatu Latu is adorning a golden jacket at Canton, but the early reports are encouraging. Having a pass rusher that can wreck an offensive line is one of the most coveted things in the NFL. Protections have to slide. Tight ends have to stay in to chip or full on block. Running backs are reduced from getting out in space. The quarterback’s time to deliver the ball is reduced. Those are all incredible advantages for the defense. Latu just may be the man Ballard has been looking for all this time. Once again, we have a long way to go, but I can’t wait to see Latu suit up for the first time next Sunday and go to work.
