The final score in Pittsburgh didn’t go the Indianapolis Colts’ way, but one player continues to stand out every single time his feet touch NFL-branded turf: Laiatu Latu.
A first-rounder not even two years ago, the 265-pound blend of fluidity and nuance is quickly turning into one of the league’s most complete young sack artists.
Through nine games, Latu’s numbers speak for themselves: 39 pressures, five sacks, and two and a half more on Sunday against the Steelers.
Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Laiatu Latu is beginning to scare the NFL
But what’s most impressive is how he’s getting them. At his size, weight, and length, Latu doesn’t just rely on one trick -- he’s developed into a multi-dimensional pass rusher capable of winning in several ways.
His pass-rush plan is polished and precise, rare for a player only 25 games into his professional career. Latu can win with a clean, violent swipe-rip move around the corner, or collapse the pocket with bull rush power that catches even seasoned tackles off guard.
His bend and flexibility are elite, allowing him to dip under contact without losing speed, and his hands are already at a veteran level -- controlled, efficient, and disruptive.
That refinement was part of what made Latu such a coveted prospect out of UCLA, where he was one of the most NFL-ready defenders in the 2024 class.
But his jump from solid rookie to budding star in Year 2 comes down to confidence, understanding, and consistency. He’s playing faster because he’s thinking less. His get-off is quicker. His counters are sharper. And his ability to diagnose protection looks has elevated his entire game.
What has also popped on tape has been how well-rounded his play has become.
Latu isn’t just a pass-rush specialist -- he’s reliable on early downs, setting the edge and maintaining leverage in the run game. His ability to keep his outside arm free and concurrent strength at the point of attack allow him to disengage from blocks and make stops outside the hashes.
That every-down dependability has solidified his place as the Colts’ top defensive weapon up front within a group of veteran ballplayers.
With the Colts’ defense emphasizing pressure and physicality under Lou Anarumo, Latu has rapidly become the tone-setter for the unit. His effort and motor are contagious, and his ability to win one-on-one has created more favorable looks for teammates like DeForest Buckner in the middle.
While it's easy to forget the Sacramento, California native in Latu is only in his second NFL season, his 2025 campaign has already eclipsed his rookie production, and the trajectory suggests he’s only scratching the surface of what he can truly become.
Overall, Latu isn’t just flashing potential anymore -- he’s fulfilling it. And if his first nine weeks of 2025 are any indication, the Colts have found not just a cornerstone defender, but one of the league’s next dominant edge threats.