The Indianapolis Colts didn’t get a surprise do-over in CBS Sports’ 2024 NFL redraft. They got the same answer they made on draft night: Laiatu Latu at No. 15 overall.
Zachary Pereles’ redraft left Indianapolis exactly where it started, with the defensive end the Colts originally took in the first round. And there’s a pretty clear reason why Latu stayed put. Pereles pointed to the jump he made in 2025, his first year as a full-time starter, when his production took off in a hurry.
“Latu quietly made a nice jump in 2025, his first season as a full-time starter,” wrote Pereles. “He more than doubled his sacks (4.0 to 8.5) from his rookie year, posted a solid 14.7% pressure rate and somehow nabbed three(!)
interceptions, two of which were outstanding individual plays. He's one of just two defensive linemen to post a three-interception season this century.”
That kind of season kept him ahead of a few notable names who came off the board later in the redraft, including C Graham Barton, C Zach Frazier, CB Nate Wiggins, WR Marvin Harrison Jr., and WR Rome Odunze.
The numbers back up the rise. Latu went from 38 pressures as a rookie to 61 this past season, a total that ranked 15th among players at his position.
What makes the step forward even more intriguing is that Latu’s game has never really been about brute force. He’s long been known for bend and burst off the edge, and this offseason he’s working to add more muscle so he can bring more power to the rush.
That development has not gone unnoticed inside the building. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo believes Latu can reach the double-digit sack mark this season.
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