Lou Anarumo, the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, may have found a new standout performer in edge rusher Laiatu Latu, reminiscent of Trey Hendrickson’s success during his tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals. As Latu enters the second year of his career, he is emerging as a vital force for the Colts, especially given the injury struggles that have plagued the team.
Drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Latu has demonstrated significant growth this season. Despite a relatively modest rookie campaign, he showed promise in 2024. Now, he is truly stepping into his role, embodying the production Indianapolis had hoped for when they selected him. In just 130 fewer pass rush snaps this year, Latu has equaled his total pressures from the previous season, recording 38 pressures and surpassing his sack total with five, compared to four in 2024. Notably, his missed tackle rate has drastically improved, dropping from 25.7 percent last year to an impressive 12.5 percent in 2025.
According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks as the sixth-highest-graded edge rusher in the league, underscoring his effectiveness on the field. Latu is not only leading the team in sacks and quarterback pressures, but he is also tied for quarterback hits—alongside defensive stalwart DeForest Buckner—with 13 and has surprisingly contributed two interceptions. His all-around performance positions him as a strong contender for a Pro Bowl selection and potentially an All-Pro nod in the future.
The impact of Latu’s presence on the Colts’ defense cannot be understated. His absence in Week 2 coincided with the team allowing the highest point total of the season—28 points against the Denver Broncos. This highlights just how crucial he is, especially as the Colts have dealt with injuries throughout their cornerback lineup and an underperforming edge rusher group.
The encouraging news for Latu and the Colts is that Anarumo’s scheme appears to be an excellent fit for his skill set, promising a bright outlook for the young player. With Anarumo’s job stability looking secure for the upcoming offseason, Latu’s third year could potentially mirror the success Hendrickson achieved, marking the start of a remarkable career trajectory. As he continues to develop, Colts fans have much to be hopeful about regarding Latu’s contributions to the team moving forward.