The 2024 NFL Draft has begun very heavy offense, with the first 14 picks going to players on that side of the ball. On Thursday, after 14 picks had already been announced, the Indianapolis Colts were listed at No. 15 and had the defensive lot to choose from.
With such a deep draft class, the Colts were able to take star passer Laiatu Latu from UCLA with their selection, which shocked many, including their general manager.
Players who rank among the best at their position don’t always fall this late, but the Colts were happy that this time it happened that way. Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard said his team “got the best defensive player in the draft” with Latu and couldn’t believe he was still available when the Colts were on the clock.
In the war room, Ballard could only laugh at the situation, saying, “We have the best f—–g rusher in the draft.”
“I thought we got a little lucky,” Ballard said (via the Colts’ official website). “We thought there were four or five really elite players, and he was one of them. We felt lucky to have him.”
When discussing what the future holds for Latu, Ballard believes he will “produce pretty quickly as a rusher,” but admitted that as with any rookie, there will be an adjustment period.
“This guy is a pretty fine product in terms of rushing,” Ballard said. “Of course you’re going to have to learn, especially against [NFL] tackles so good and protection systems so good. So it will be an adjustment for him. But he’s a smart kid. He’ll realize it.”
