The Atlanta Falcons shocked the NFL world when they selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall, and they would've made another big move had the Indianapolis Colts not beat them to it.
A historic run on offensive players took place with 14 consecutive selections coming on that side of the ball to begin the draft. That resulted in the Indianapolis Colts getting their top choice of defenders, which eventually was UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu.
That almost wasn't the case, however.
According to Steve Wyche of NFL Network, the Falcons tried trading back into the first round after selecting Penix.
Their target? Laiatu Latu.
In my report on the Falcons drafting QB Michael Penix with the No. 8 pick, I also added that they tried to trade up into the first to get edge rusher Laiatu Latu…who ended up with Indy at 15. pic.twitter.com/pJ61Dsfsxb
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) April 26, 2024
"The other player they liked there Laiatu Latu. They decided not to take him [at No. 8], but they tried to trade up into the teens to get Latu," Wyche said. "The Colts took him at 15. So that trade prospect, they couldn't get up that high, but that was a player they wanted to get. That was their top-rated defensive player that they wanted—also the first defensive player taken in the draft. They tried to get back up, but the Colts beat them to the punch."
It certainly would have been an interesting development if the Falcons traded back into the teens to take Latu. The Colts sitting there at No. 15 were elated that Latu hadn't gone yet.
In fact, the Colts also believed that Latu was the best defender in the draft, and they haven't shown any concern about his medical history.
Latu is expected to have a pass-rushing role immediately even if it is limited to third downs to begin his career, and the Colts weren't the only team that wanted the UCLA product's talent.
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
