Indianapolis Colts pick UCLA DL Laiatu Latu in Round 1 of 2024 NFL draft. What to know

The Indianapolis Colts drafted UCLA defensive lineman Laiatu Latu with the 15th pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Latu racked up 13 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss last season to lead UCLA. Here’s what to know about Latu.

Laiatu Latu scouting report

Equipped with a pass-rush arsenal far more varied and advanced than his peers, Latu sets himself apart as easily the most pro-ready edge defender in this class. That technical prowess could take him far, which might be vital for the 6-5, 259-pounder given his pedestrian length, speed and power. His medical outlook could also be an X-factor for his draft stock after he medically retired at Washington due to a neck ailment. — Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Laiatu Latu height, weight

Latu, who is from Sacramento, California, and went to Jesuit (Wash.) High School, is 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds.

Laiatu Latu college stats

In two seasons for UCLA, Latu recorded 23.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss, forced five fumbles, picked off two passes, defended five passes and recovered one fumble. He spent the first three seasons of college with Washington, playing in 12 games as a freshman.

Laiatu Latu highlights

Before his sophomore season at the University of Washington in 2020, he suffered a neck injury in practice that ultimately led Huskies team doctors to medically retire him. He eventually had fusion surgery, transferred to UCLA and was cleared to resume his career. He was the Pac-12’s defensive player of the year in 2023, when he also earned the Lombardi Award and Ted Hendricks Award for being the country’s best collegiate defensive end after posting an FBS-best 1.8 TFLs per game. — Nate Davis

Laiatu Latu NFL combine results

Latue clocked a 4.64 40 and a 1.62-second 10-yard split. His vertical jump came in at 32 inches and his broad jump came in at 9 feet, 8 inches.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colts pick UCLA DL Laiatu Latu in 2024 NFL draft. What to know