When it comes to Indianapolis Colts players poised to make a big splash in 2025, most of the attention has gone towards Tyler Warren, and for good reason. He was a first-round pick and arguably the best tight end in his class, and by all accounts, he's been performing incredibly well in offseason workouts. But he's not the Colts that is likely to have a breakout season in 2025.
Laiatu Latu was the Colts' first round pick in last year's draft, and the buzz surrounding his rookie season was intense; he was an early favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. That didn't happen, and Latu had a serviceable, but not incredible, season in 2024. He ended the year with 32 tackles, 38 pressures, nine quarterback hits, four sacks, five tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery - and all under Gus Bradley and the struggling Indianapolis defense.
And 2025 is likely to be what Colts fans have been waiting to see from Latu.
Latu will be the breakout edge rusher in 2025
Pro Football Focus (PFF) named Latu as their breakout candidate for their 2025 NFL All-Breakout Team, noting that Latu was the team's best edge rusher in 2024, and is sure to see an improvement in his performance following a massive change in coaching scheme. The Colts fired defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, and replaced him with Lou Anarumo, which should make a huge difference for Latu.
As PFF noted, "Latu could evoke shades of his monster final collegiate season in his second year in the NFL."
With a more aggressive defense, Latu will almost certainly see improvement in his numbers. Last year, the secondary collapsed too quickly, allowing opposing quarterbacks to get rid of the ball before Latu could have much of an impact. Anarumo is known for defensive schemes that change often and are more difficult to read, and that will absolutely work out in Latu's favor.
And for 2025, Latu has set a high goal for himself: he wants a sack a game. He's spent the offseason building more strength, particularly in his upper body, and with Anarumo's help, can become a force to be reckoned with.
“You see the God-given athletic ability as soon as you watch him,” Anarumo said. “Anybody can see that. Now, it’s just going to be the recognition of how he’s about to get blocked, both in the run game and the pass game.”