Colts draft DE Laiatu Latu - Round 1, Pick 15

[HoosierinFL]

So we've said before, it would be nice if we lucked into our next Freeney/Mathis type DE.
Well he could be it, its why I picked him in the poll.

Its a risk (health), and maybe there was a bigger need at CB (with the idea that better coverage that forces QBs to hold on to the ball for 1-2 more seconds would let the pass-rush-by-committee thing we had last year work even better).

But still, getting someone who is a legit threat to pressure the QB on every snap can be a game changer.

[Dam8610]

Originally Posted by HoosierinFL

So we've said before, it would be nice if we lucked into our next Freeney/Mathis type DE.
Well he could be it, its why I picked him in the poll.

Its a risk (health), and maybe there was a bigger need at CB (with the idea that better coverage that forces QBs to hold on to the ball for 1-2 more seconds would let the pass-rush-by-committee thing we had last year work even better).

But still, getting someone who is a legit threat to pressure the QB on every snap can be a game changer.

He's not Freeney because he's not a freak athlete, and if you want Mathis in this draft, Mo Kamara should be available in Round 4. That said, Latu has the deepest set of pass rush moves I've ever seen on a prospect, which excites me for his NFL transition, because it shouldn't be as long as the transition for someone like Paye who had no pass rush moves.

[Hoopsdoc]

I’m cautiously optimistic but it’s hard when you see “spinal fusion surgery”.

[Dam8610]

Originally Posted by Hoopsdoc

I’m cautiously optimistic but it’s hard when you see “spinal fusion surgery”.

Doctors didn't have any concerns, Ballard asked. They seem to think risk of recurrence is low and he is capable of having a long career.

[ChaosTheory]

Ballard mentioned to McAfee that the neck concerns were alleviated because that had two years of tape on him.

It's always going to be in the back of your mind, but it's not like this just happened. He played two full, productive seasons post-injury.

[rcubed]

Originally Posted by Hoopsdoc

I’m cautiously optimistic but it’s hard when you see “spinal fusion surgery”.

Didnt he play and excel for 2 seasons post surgery? Honestly any of these players are a freak hit away from injury

[apballin]

Anyone else hear his college coach said “he was the best TE on our team”

Dudes a freak

[YDFL Commish]

Latu positives:

Latu's surgery was performed by the same Doc who performed Peyton's surgery.

You can't compare him to Leighton Vander Esch because Vander Esch never had the surgery before entering the draft. So he played several season with a bad neck.

NFL.com Lance Zierlein has a Latu player comp is TJ Watt and I think that is an accurate comparison.

Latu is guy with production and skills not traits and hope. Almost every draft analyst, coach and NFL executive believe that Latu is the most skilled pass rusher they have seen in years.

[omahacolt]

this pick is growing on me.


didn't think he would even be on the colts board at all.

[rm1369]

Originally Posted by YDFL Commish

Latu positives:

Latu's surgery was performed by the same Doc who performed Peyton's surgery.

You can't compare him to Leighton Vander Esch because Vander Esch never had the surgery before entering the draft. So he played several season with a bad neck.

NFL.com Lance Zierlein has a Latu player comp is TJ Watt and I think that is an accurate comparison.

Latu is guy with production and skills not traits and hope. Almost every draft analyst, coach and NFL executive believe that Latu is the most skilled pass rusher they have seen in years.

It’s the production instead of just traits that make me happy with the pick. After striking out drafting raw athletes at the position CB took a different tact and got the technician this time. And not a bad athlete by any measure. Without the injury concern he’s likely not there. Worth the risk IMO.