The Indianapolis Colts have a little over a week remaining in training camp as the new NFL season approaches quickly. The test for the Colts during camp was to figure out several key position battles, for one. Additionally, where Daniel Jones would be, and what he would look like.Â
Well, Jones is looking just fine so far, which is good news. As for the position battles, the competition continues, with early success at linebacker, for example, where each player contending for a spot is impressing each day.
On the other hand, the same can't be said for who will win the WR3 spot, as no one has really put their name ahead of the others just yet, which is a little concerning.Â
Indianapolis Colts' DE Laiatu Latu is prepping for more tackles, more sacks, and more everything
Battling for a roster spot is not something that Laiatu Latu has to worry about, though. He won his starting spot during his rookie season and further cemented it with a solid second-year follow-up. Laiatu is part of the Colts' future and an imminent leader on defense. The best part about him is, however, that he has much more to give, and Lou Anarumo, Laiatu's defensive coordinator, knows it.Â
It's very possible that in five years, Latu will be the Colts' most important and best defensive player. With veterans like DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart playing on the back ends of their careers, Latu is still in the beginning stages and on the way up. The incredible part about Latu so far is that he's already very good so soon; can he get even better?
The answer has to be yes. He knows it, and so do his coaches. Earlier in the offseason, Anarumo spoke highly of Latu and his first two years in the league. After making positive progress from year one to two, Latu's game gives every indication that each season will be better than the last, and that's exactly what Anarumo believes will happen this season, which will be Latu's third.Â
In May, Anarumo predicted Latu would record double-digit sacks this season, coming off an 8.5-sack total last season, while explaining what he loves about Latu's game and playing style.Â
"He's not built like a typical defensive end," Anarumo said. "He's low, great lower body, strong, but when you see him up top, his upper body wasn't as developed, and he's done a great job of getting stronger over his career so far.
"He's a jack of all trades, man. He is going to be unbelievable as he continues his process as a football player. He's on his way to 10 plus sacks last year. I think he'll get there this year without a doubt. He's always dialed in as a worker, as a teammate. Everything about him says team."
Latu should easily reach the 10-sack mark this season, if he doesn't surpass it completely. Furthermore, there should be no surprise if Latu surpasses last season's 61-total-tackles mark as well. Training camp is proving to be Latu's starting point to reaching those marks, as he's been all over the field so far, flashing on almost every play.
The only concern regarding Latu isn't necessarily about him, but the rest of his defensive line. On the other side of him, the Colts are still trying to figure out who will start between Arden Key and Jaylahn Tuimoloau. In the middle, Buckner is returning from surgery, while Stewart is going into his 10th season.
With the uncertainty opposite Latu at defensive end and Buckner's current unknown abilities, Latu could be carrying the Colts' defensive line this season. How that could impact his production remains to be seen. That said, if the Colts are going to have a true leader in the pass rush, Latu is that player. The Colts can count on him; the only questions point to the others.Â
Add us as a preferred source on Google