When the Indianapolis Colts used the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft to take linebacker Laiatu Latu, there was a groan of uncertainty amongst the Horseshoe fanbase. While Latu did earn All-American honors in his senior season with UCLA, he had previously dealt with a serious neck injury that once saw him medically retire from football while at the University of Washington.
Those days seem like a long, long time ago now as the second-year linebacker is making his presence felt on the Colts' defense. Laiatu brought a playmaking ability to the pass rush that Indianapolis needed. He can fire off the ball with quickness, the same quickness he uses to slip past opposing offensive lines on route to the quarterback.
Latu played in all 17 games during the 2024 season, recording four sacks, three forced fumbles, and recovering one. Though Week 7 of the 2025 season, Laiatu already has two sacks to his credit while snagging two interceptions.
Laiatu Latu is better utilized under new Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo
The playbook of new Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo seems to fit Latu quite well, as he has more pass-rushing opportunities. This ties in with his aggressive style of play, which helps him shed blocks and, in turn, also makes him a threat to stop the run.
Against the Tennessee Titans in Week 8, Laiatu will need to step up in the absence of Samson Ebukam, who is out with a knee injury suffered in the Colts' Week 7 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
He will face a Titans offensive line that is young and will be a rematch from Week 3, which saw the Colts leave Nashville with a decisive 41-20 win. A game in which Latu had one tackle after returning from a hamstring injury suffered the previous week. Certainly not the performance he was looking to have.
Laiatu Latu won't be looking for redemption in Week 8 against Tennessee; he will be looking to make a statement. By utilizing strength and speed to outmaneuver the Titans' offensive line, Latu has the playmaking ability necessary to put the rest of the league on notice.