Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Laiatu Latu is hoping to bring more energy to an already solid pass rush, and there's a chance he's in the conversation for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
As ESPN analysts gathered for a panel discussing the outcome of the 2024 NFL Draft, two analysts believe Latu has the best chance to win the prestigious award after his rookie campaign is done.
Jason Reid believes Latu has the chance because of his elite technique as a pass-rusher.
He is elite in both technique and talent. Latu is equally efficient against the run and at pursuing the passer. The Colts are getting a relentless player who totaled 34 tackles for losses and 23.5 sacks in the past two seasons for UCLA.
Meanwhile, Seth Walder took the vantage point of the analytics side of the argument and also came away with Latu as his answer for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
He was selected as the first defensive player, despite his medical concerns, so I like him even more as the defender to bet on here. Last season, he led the FBS in pressure rate at edge (22%) and in sacks created (17) -- which credits the player who first earns pressure on a play that eventually becomes a sack.
Latu is going to start out his rookie campaign as a rotational pass rusher, likely working behind starter Samson Ebukam, who led the team with a career-high 9.5 sacks in 2023.
However, Latu's role will be strong enough on passing downs where he will be able to make a difference several times throughout the games every Sunday.
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
