The Indianapolis Colts received a few good grades on their draft picks this year, with players like A.J. Haulcey and CJ Allen, as well as lower selections such as Caden Curry and Bryce Boettcher. At the end of the day, given the positive feedback from the Colts' OTAs and minicamps, general manager Chris Ballard had a successful draft.Â
The impact of some of the Colts' draft picks may take a couple of years to come to fruition, but so far, the signs are pointing north rather than south, and that's a good thing for the team's future. Ballard has drafted well over the years; it's just that the Colts haven't had much success as a team, which has overshadowed the impact some of those players drafted have had.
Laiatu Latu is one of Ballard's more recent picks who is already playing like a seasoned Pro Bowl veteran, despite only being in the league for two years. Still, Latu's impact on the Colts and in the league is evident, and he plays a large part in the Colts' hopes of being a playoff-contending team in the future.
Indianapolis Colts' Laiatu Latu receiving votes on an NFL top edge rusher position rankings list is a good sign
The most important aspect of Latu's career so far is not that he's so good so soon, but that he's going to get even better.
If the Colts were an annual playoff team, Latu's impact would be an even larger highlight given how young he is. The same can be said for Colts tight end Tyler Warren, who completely broke out in his rookie year. If the Colts have another non-playoff season, it's more likely that the impact of players like Latu and Warren will be undervalued.Â
Trey McBride with the Arizona Cardinals is a solid example of one of the best at his position, rarely getting recognition because his team is bad. Colts fans would hate to see that happen as the years go by for someone like Latu, who is on a trajectory to being one of the NFL's top edge rushers. If the Colts were a better team, would he already be considered in the top 10?
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who recently published his annual league survey among NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, Latu is ranked in the top 10 at his position, but that should change sooner rather than later. The most recognition Latu received on Fowler's list was some votes, which is still good news.Â
Rightfully so, it's hard to put Latu on the same level as Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, Aiden Hutchinson, or Will Anderson Jr. (all of whom filled out the top five spots on Fowler's ranking). Right now, Latu isn't on their level, but give him another 3-5years, and he certainly could be; Latu is simply that gifted and talented.Â
What bodes well for the Colts is the path Latu is on right now. The tea leaves say he'll be elite in five years. The question is, where will the Colts be in that time? Will Latu be another Garrett in Cleveland, or will the Colts be a playoff-contending team, making Latu's impact more meaningful?
Garrett spent nine seasons racking up sacks and gutting opposing offensive lines. Today, he's widely regarded as the undisputed best edge rusher in the league.
The sad part of Garrett's greatness was that the Browns were never a serious team while he was there. Laiatu may never be as great as Garrett, but he will be elite very soon. What the Colts have to avoid with Latu is what Garrett went through in Cleveland.Â
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