Context:

Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Laiatu Latu is poised for a standout season in 2025, following a rookie year in which he demonstrated significant potential. Despite a limited 54% snap share in 2024, his performance was noteworthy, achieving 42 quarterback pressures and a 12% pressure rate. The departure of Dayo Odeyingbo to Chicago opens up more opportunities for Latu to excel in the Colts' defense under Lou Anarumo. The addition of JT Tuimoloau in the 2025 draft is expected to complement Latu, as Tuimoloau will likely play on the strong side. With improvements in the secondary, Latu's anticipated breakout could significantly enhance the Colts' defensive lineup.

Dive Deeper:

• Laiatu Latu, a former first-round pick for the Indianapolis Colts, showed flashes of his potential during the 2024 season despite having a 54% snap share, which limited his impact compared to his peers.

• Pro Football Focus' Jonathon Macri highlights Latu as a key breakout candidate for the 2025 season, especially with the departure of Dayo Odeyingbo, who was the team’s leader in pass-rush snaps in 2024.

• Latu ranked 30th in pass-rush grade among rookies with a grade of 72.1, and he recorded 42 quarterback pressures, achieving a 12% pressure rate according to Next Gen Stats.

• The Colts' defense, coordinated by Lou Anarumo, could see Latu playing a more prominent role, which is crucial given the team's strategic additions to the defensive lineup, particularly in the secondary.

• JT Tuimoloau, drafted in the second round in 2025, is anticipated to complement Latu’s play by focusing more on the strong side, potentially increasing the defensive unit’s overall effectiveness.

• Latu's development and potential breakout are seen as pivotal for enhancing the Colts' defensive capabilities, particularly in generating a more effective pass rush.

• Kevin Hickey, with a background in sports journalism and fantasy football analysis, provides insights into Latu’s potential impact on the Colts, highlighting his hidden potential from the previous season.

• Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Laiatu Latu could be in line for a big season.

• The former first-round pick showed plenty of flashes during his rookie campaign in 2024 and with a thinner depth chart, Latu should have the opportunity to take a big step.

• When looking at potential breakout candidates for the 2025 season, Pro Football Focus' Jonathon Macri believes Latu is the name to watch for the Colts.

• "Latu’s rookie season flew under the radar a bit when compared to the Defensive Rookie of the Year, and fellow first-rounder, Jared Verse. However, Latu wasn’t given the full-time workload necessary to really make an impact in the sack column or be as disruptive as Verse," Macri wrote. "Latu’s 54% snap share as a rookie wasn’t ideal, though with the team’s 2024 leader in pass-rush snaps, Dayo Odeyingbo, off to Chicago, there’s a much larger opportunity for Latu to deliver on his potential after ranking 30th in pass-rush grade (72.1) as a rookie in 2024."

• The departure of Odeyingbo should give Latu the chance to earn a starting role in Lou Anarumo's defense. The Colts also added JT Tuimoloau in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, but he's expected to work more on the strong side of the formation.

• According to Next Gen Stats, Latu recorded 42 quarterback pressures and a 12% pressure rate during the 2024 season.

• The Colts made some big additions to the defensive side of the ball this offseason, especially in the secondary, but the entire unit could get a boost if Latu comes through with a breakout campaign.