Indianapolis Colts’ defensive end Laiatu Latu was named to the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie team for the 2024 NFL season.
Latu was the 15th overall selection by the Colts in last April’s draft out of UCLA.
The 38 pressures that Latu totaled in 2024 were the second-most on the Colts’ defense. He also had four sacks.
Even when the production wasn’t always showing up on the stat sheet, Latu provided a steady pass-rush presence, ranking 30th out of 121 eligible defensive ends in PFF’s pass-rush win rate metric. And when there is consistency, the production often follows.
As the season progressed, Latu’s role would expand, and while known for his pass rush prowess coming out of UCLA, he really started to make strides as a run defender as he got more reps under his belt.
“He’s really evolved to where not only is he a rusher, he can rush the passer, but he’s got really good football instincts,” said former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley about Latu. “His chase and run ability, the effort that he shows on tape, all those things are putting him in a position to make some big plays for us.”
Compared to the other rookie defensive ends, Latu finished third in pressures, behind Jared Verse and Chop Robinson. He also had the second-most run stops and the second best run defense grade.
The Los Angeles Rams Jared Verse was named the PFWA’s Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The PFWA has voted on the All-Rookie team since 1974 and is comprised of writers who cover all 32 NFL teams.