Can Colts Rookie Be Best Pass-Rusher Since Freeney/Mathis?

The Indianapolis Colts have high hopes for Laiatu Latu, whom they selected 15th overall in the recent 2024 NFL Draft. It’s possible he could one day become the franchise’s best pass-rusher since the Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis era.

Sure, Latu can accomplish such a lofty feat. Yet, it will take a long time for that to materialize. The defensive end out of UCLA hasn’t even played an NFL preseason game yet. He has the potential, though, to be a special player.

Could Laiatu Latu Become the Indianapolis Colts’ Best Pass-Rusher Since Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis?

Remembering the Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis Era

The Colts selected Freeney with the 11th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. The former Syracuse Orangeman had an illustrious 16-year career, also playing for the San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, and Seattle Seahawks.

However, Freeney’s best days were in Indianapolis, where he played his first 11 seasons. As a Colt, he was named a First-Team All-Pro three times and made the Second-Team once. The seven-time Pro Bowler also led the NFL in sacks (16) in 2004 and was the league’s forced fumbles co-leader in 2002.

More importantly, Freeney helped Peyton Manning and Co. win Super Bowl XLI over the Chicago Bears. He was also elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.

Mathis was selected by Indianapolis in the fifth round (138th overall pick) of the 2003 draft. The Alabama A&M product spent his entire 14-year career with the Colts. He played a decade with fellow defensive end Freeney as they frequently got to the opposing team’s quarterback.

Mathis was a five-time Pro Bowler and was named a First-Team All-Pro once. He led the league in forced fumbles three times and won a Super Bowl ring. Unlike Freeney, though, he is yet to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Freeney and Mathis are both Colts legends. They’re easily one of the greatest defensive line duos of all time, producing 186 sacks during their 10 seasons together.

Laiatu Latu Might Be a Future Star

Many fans hoped the Colts would trade up in this year’s draft and get a pass-catcher like Marvin Harrison Jr. or Brock Bowers. Most mock drafts had them taking a cornerback in the first round. Yet, the Colts surprised everyone and took Laiatu Latu, the first defensive player selected in the draft.

Latu had a neck issue during his time at Washington, which led to a medical retirement. However, he later bounced back at UCLA, recording a total of 23.5 sacks the past two seasons.

If he continues to stay healthy, Latu can be a force to be reckoned with as a Colt. The 6-5, 259-pounder has a high motor and he never gives up on a play. He possesses good size for an NFL edge and displays athleticism and impressive twitch.

Last season, the Colts set an Indy-era franchise record with 51 sacks. Latu could join forces with the likes of Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Dayo Odeyingbo to give the team an even better pass-rushing unit.

The Colts haven’t had an elite pass-rusher since Freeney and Mathis were around. Don’t be shocked if Laiatu Latu is next in line.