The Indianapolis Colts took the first defensive player of the 2024 NFL Draft in Laiatu Latu, who wants to affirm they made the right choice.
His agent told the former UCLA Bruin he did not expect the 23-year-old pass rusher to be taken within the next few picks. At that point, no defensive players had even been selected. Latu could sit back, take a breather, and maybe calm the nerves that every draftee has on their big day. and general manager Chris Ballard were on the other line, welcoming Latu to Indy. To say Latu was surprised may be an understatement.
After the surgery, Washington team doctors determined that the neck did not heal sufficiently enough for Latu to continue playing football. Doctors forced Latu to medically retire, but he did not believe this was the end of his football career. He was not satisfied with the doctors' findings nor how they came to their conclusions.
"Just being told that you'll never be able to play football again and that whole time really just grinding just to prove all those people that told me I wouldn't be able to play football again that I can do it again," Latu elaborated."I know myself, I trust in myself, and I trust in the Lord. And I know that He's got a plan for me.
While Latu more than proved his ability on the field, questions about his medicals were prevalent through the NFL draft process. Latu expected teams wanted to get a first-hand look to determine whether there were any lingering effects from the surgery. Latu brings a pass-rushing prowess the Colts do not currently have on their team. The 23-year-old is a natural pass rusher who can bend around offensive tackles and uses a bevy of moves to get after opposing quarterbacks. While Latu does not reach the typical length and explosive thresholds the Colts hold for their pass rushers, he is still a fantastic athlete who registered athroughout the pre-draft process.
NFL Draft Laiatu Latu Kwity Paye UCLA Bruins Dayo Odeyingbo Samson Ebukam Adetomiwa Adebawore T.J. Watt Trey Hendrickson Robert Mathis Peyton Manning
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Grade: Colts Select Dynamic Pass Rusher Laiatu Latu Round 1, Pick 15After months of scouting, the Indianapolis Colts have selected Laiatu Latu with their first-round pick.
Read more »
Colts take first defensive player of NFL draft, UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu at No. 15The Indianapolis Colts took the first defensive player in the NFL draft, choosing edge rusher Laiatu Latu of UCLA with the 15th pick. Latu’s selection ended a 14-player run on offense, which is a draft record. Last season’s Pac-12 defensive player of the year is expected to beef up Indy’s outside pass rush.
Read more »
UCLA Football: Laiatu Latu Falls to Bottom of First Round in Fresh Pre-Draft MockUCLA pass rusher Laiatu Latu falls to bottom of first round in new mock draft
Read more »
UCLA Football: Laiatu Latu Falls Toward Bottom of First Round in New Yahoo Mock DraftIf Latu falls like he does here, he will be one of the steals in this entire draft
Read more »
UCLA Football: Laiatu Latu Hoping to Be Drafted by NFC South SquadUCLA's Laiatu Latu has a preference for where he wants to be drafted
Read more »