Jump to content
Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts Fan Forum

Colts Select Laiatu Latu Edge UCLA


CR91

Recommended Posts

On 4/26/2024 at 9:34 AM, Solid84 said:

This I feel has been his biggest flaw as a drafter and I'd be REALLY happy if they start valuing production more. Hope it's a new trend.

 

He also said they had 4-5 guys with true elite grades and Latu was one of them.

 

Edit: Ballard also mentioned they have a good relationship with Chip Kelly (HC UCLA), so they had a lot of inside information on Latu - explains the lack of meetings.

Someone said he did a 180. I’m not sure. When did they have the opportunity to draft a guy like Latu?  The lower you pick DE’s in the draft the more traits based it’s going to be, right?   I have no doubt he was eyeballing YaYa Diaby last year.

 

Mitchell is still a high RAS score guy too. In fact, Ballard did what Ballard does, he traded back and still got his guy.  Mitchell better have paid attention to how Ballard stood up for him yesterday. 
 

The shape of the roster certainly had a role too.  I know many feel there’s glaring holes in the secondary, but this is probably the first year since Luck quit maybe even before where they could really just go BPA.  
 

Add that Steichen certainly has a better mind than Reich.  I think Ballard has always tried to get his coaches their type of players.   This coaching staff is far superior than the previous regime. 
 

Marry all that with the maturation of Ballard.  We also don’t know how many swings at guys like Hunter or trade ups have taken place in the past.  Probably not a lot, but maybe.  Ballard sure let us know this year. Is that a more aggressive GM or a guy just tired of hearing the complaints?

 

I tend to think it’s a combination of them all.  

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 minutes ago, Hawkeyecolt said:

Someone said he did a 180. I’m not sure. When did they have the opportunity to draft a guy like Latu?  The lower you pick DE’s in the draft the more traits based it’s going to be, right?   I have no doubt he was eyeballing YaYa Diaby last year.

 

Mitchell is still a high RAS score guy too. In fact, Ballard did what Ballard does, he traded back and still got his guy.  Mitchell better have paid attention to how Ballard stood up for him yesterday. 
 

The shape of the roster certainly had a role too.  I know many feel there’s glaring holes in the secondary, but this is probably the first year since Luck quit maybe even before where they could really just go BPA.  
 

Add that Steichen certainly has a better mind than Reich.  I think Ballard has always tried to get his coaches their type of players.   This coaching staff is far superior than the previous regime. 
 

Marry all that with the maturation of Ballard.  We also don’t know how many swings at guys like Hunter or trade ups have taken place in the past.  Probably not a lot, but maybe.  Ballard sure let us know this year. Is that a more aggressive GM or a guy just tired of hearing the complaints?

 

I tend to think it’s a combination of them all.  

There's no doubt Ballard still values RAS. I didn't mean to make it read like RAS is not still important for the Colts.

 

Latu is an example of Ballard passing on more RAS-y guys at the same position and others of need and picking production over RAS while still taking an athletic guy. Latu is no lead-foot, but he's not top of the class - his ability is skill and technique. I think that's a first for Ballard and I hope it continues.

 

I have no doubt Steichen and Ballard are a good match. Ballard said when Steichen saw the draft board he immediately started talking about how we could use that guy and that guy and so on. He's just 100% dialed in.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 4/26/2024 at 7:48 AM, Sheffieldcolt said:

First post here but I do really like this pick. Sure the injury side of things is a risk but he’s played 2 years with it and had no problems from it, so I don’t see why it’s anymore of a risk picking him than taking a player who isn’t as talented and hoping he ends up been the better player than Latu. Just my opinion but there’s always some form of risk with picks but at least skill doesn’t seem to be one with Latu

 

Welcome Dee Dar 😛 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Outstanding selection, IMO.  

 

Nailed this one, too.  A lot of quality QB's in the AFC.  A solid approach is get the best pass rusher and make them feel by making them uncomfortable and thinking throughout the game.   Helps the rest of your defense, too.  

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 4/27/2024 at 12:40 PM, Hawkeyecolt said:

Someone said he did a 180. I’m not sure. When did they have the opportunity to draft a guy like Latu?  The lower you pick DE’s in the draft the more traits based it’s going to be, right?   I have no doubt he was eyeballing YaYa Diaby last year.

 

Mitchell is still a high RAS score guy too. In fact, Ballard did what Ballard does, he traded back and still got his guy.  Mitchell better have paid attention to how Ballard stood up for him yesterday. 
 

The shape of the roster certainly had a role too.  I know many feel there’s glaring holes in the secondary, but this is probably the first year since Luck quit maybe even before where they could really just go BPA.  
 

Add that Steichen certainly has a better mind than Reich.  I think Ballard has always tried to get his coaches their type of players.   This coaching staff is far superior than the previous regime. 
 

Marry all that with the maturation of Ballard.  We also don’t know how many swings at guys like Hunter or trade ups have taken place in the past.  Probably not a lot, but maybe.  Ballard sure let us know this year. Is that a more aggressive GM or a guy just tired of hearing the complaints?

 

I tend to think it’s a combination of them all.  

They had the opportunity  to draft sweat and traded the pick away

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Stephen said:

They had the opportunity  to draft sweat and traded the pick away

 

It's almost like there was a significant, contributing factor to the decision to pass on Montez Sweat...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, Superman said:

 

It's almost like there was a significant, contributing factor to the decision to pass on Montez Sweat...

Both him and latu had medical  concerns was the point I was making and both are considered  good rushers..

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 4/27/2024 at 12:18 PM, CR91 said:

Anyone having issues with the Latu pick, go watch the USC game. Go see how dominate he was.

USC did have one of the worst lines in the country tho

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Love the Latu pickup...however, if we want to contend for bigger things, trade for Hendrickson.  With Trey on the right and Latu on the left, we will shut down our opponents.  Go get him. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Laiatu Latu's new tattoo....sounds like the title of a Dr. Seuss book lol

 

 

 

Laiatu Latu got a tattoo

The tattoo is new

It's of the Shoe

It is not blue the new tattoo

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
On 4/25/2024 at 10:05 PM, TheEdgeis1 said:

Not a fan of this pick at all.  Of all the times he trades back.  This was the perfect time

 

On 4/25/2024 at 10:06 PM, Archer said:

Ugh.  But, as always, I’m now his biggest fan.  I’ll try to see the bright side of selecting what I considered the absolute last non-ST need on the team.

I love posts like these.    I wish we could track them through the years.   I remember I the STAR forum people hated the reggie pick, the freeney pick.  So many haters.   Why not just hope the pick will help the team be better?  Every year these youtube gms think they actually have some knowledge.   You don't.   You have no clue.   I know a few that thinks playing Madden may qualify you .  Are we being serious.   How anyone can be disappointed with this draft at this point is trying to be Mel Kiper.  Ckueless 

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 4/25/2024 at 10:02 PM, RollerColt said:

Not a fan personally. I think Turner will have a better career.

I am fully owning up and expecting this post to age poorly. And good God almighty I will be super happy if it does. 

 

Kneejerk reactions are something else kids. Also, I probably should've drank less Drambuie that night!

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, jvan1973 said:

 

I love posts like these.    I wish we could track them through the years.   I remember I the STAR forum people hated the reggie pick, the freeney pick.  So many haters.   Why not just hope the pick will help the team be better?  Every year these youtube gms think they actually have some knowledge.   You don't.   You have no clue.   I know a few that thinks playing Madden may qualify you .  Are we being serious.   How anyone can be disappointed with this draft at this point is trying to be Mel Kiper.  Ckueless 

Guilty..I remember I was listening to the draft on an AM sports channel, working a side job. Anticipating "the Indianapolis Colts select Ricky Williams" and I hear "Edgerrin James" instead...Edgerrin whoooo?? Was upset. but that turned out pretty well!  

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Has anyone who has been paying attention to Latu or to Gus Bradley learned if Latu will play the LEFT defensive end or the LEO, the RIGHT defensive end?   
 

Has that been confirmed by anyone?!?   
 

Asking for a few thousand friends here…..

 

Thanks in advance….  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:


Has anyone who has been paying attention to Latu or to Gus Bradley learned if Latu will play the LEFT defensive end or the LEO, the RIGHT defensive end?   
 

Has that been confirmed by anyone?!?   
 

Asking for a few thousand friends here…..

 

Thanks in advance….  

I think the Colts are still trying to figure that out. Latu is more than capable off both edges, though, so I expect they'll end up moving him around.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 4/28/2024 at 1:14 PM, 2006Coltsbestever said:

It's about time lady luck fell our way for once. Ballard deserves this moment for all the flack he takes.

 

  Irsay himself, with all the Best intentions,  has been our problem. He "mentored" Chuck and Grigson by his own admission during his very troubled personal times. Some bad decisions were made that he should own up to someday.

 Post Frank it is all begun anew. The league has progressed, we hit BIG with our HC, we have a QB with huge upside and great prospects to help elevate our competitiveness.

 Ballard has earned his flack along the way.

  Knock on wood that our Team has good luck.

Ballard will look way better if so.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, w87r said:

 

 

That's pretty darn cool.   How can you not root for this kid.   Even if he went to another team I would root for him.  But I'm glad we got him

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, jvan1973 said:

That's pretty darn cool.   How can you not root for this kid.   Even if he went to another team I would root for him.  But I'm glad we got him

Agreed, very cool. He's very likeable.

 

Over/under 2 games before he's called a bust here?? :lol:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, IinD said:

Agreed, very cool. He's very likeable.

 

Over/under 2 games before he's called a bust here?? :lol:

If he doesn't get a sack against the Texans,  it will be said by someone

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, Dark Superman said:

I Didn't care much for the pick at first but once I realized he was the first defensive player off the board and the Colts were able to snag AD Mitchell in the 2nd, this pick became a slam dunk IMO.

I was stunned to say  the least as not a single defensive  guy had been taken til that point. Hopefully  we really did get the best one as turner and Mitchell  the cb wrere there to.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Championing the Art of Mediocrity   In the realm of NFL management where big splashes and bold moves often steal the spotlight, Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis Colts stands as a beacon of mediocrity—oops, I mean, moderation and stability. Ballard has mastered the art of steering clear of both spectacular success and abject failure, opting instead for a comfortable middle ground where his team consistently hovers around average.   While other GMs chase after flashy signings and high-profile trades, Ballard prefers a more subtle approach. His teams are like the middle child of the NFL—neither the star of the family nor the problem child. Take, for instance, his draft picks: solid, dependable players who rarely make headlines but also rarely make Pro Bowls. It's a strategy that ensures the Colts remain perennially in the hunt for the playoffs without ever seriously threatening to win it all.   Critics may scoff at Ballard's reluctance to swing for the fences, pointing to the lack of marquee names on his roster or the absence of Lombardi Trophies in his trophy case. Yet, Ballard remains unfazed, steadfast in his belief that consistently finishing just outside the top tier is a commendable achievement in itself.   In a league where greatness is often measured by Super Bowl rings and MVP titles, Ballard's Colts serve as a refreshing reminder that there's honor in being consistently okay. While other teams chase after glory, Ballard quietly celebrates the virtues of stability and predictability—a strategy that ensures his team remains perpetually good enough to keep fans interested without ever giving them false hope of a championship.   So here's to you, Chris Ballard, our unsung hero of NFL mediocrity. May our Colts continue to embody the spirit of contentment in a league that sometimes seems obsessed with extremes. Your dedication to the middle ground is a testament to the fact that in a world of winners and losers, there's beauty in just being average.   Our Chris Ballard, the enigmatic mastermind behind the Indianapolis Colts' draft selections, continues to astound with his unconventional approach to player evaluation. Known for his ability to turn perceived draft flops into valuable lessons in resilience, Ballard has elevated the art of optimism in the face of adversity.   Take, for instance, his selection of Quincy Wilson, a cornerback whose career trajectory seemed to follow the path less traveled—straight to the sidelines. Wilson's ability to excel in the role of 'spectator extraordinaire' brought a new dimension to the Colts' bench, proving that even inactivity can be a form of contribution.   Then there's TJ Green, whose ability to redefine the term 'safety' by providing the opposing offense with a false sense of security is a testament to Ballard's commitment to strategic innovation. Green's unpredictable presence on the field undoubtedly kept quarterbacks on their toes, in excitement.    And who could forget Ben Banogu, a defensive end whose knack for demonstrating the art of camouflage by seamlessly blending into the turf has left spectators marveling at his commitment to environmental integration. Banogu's ability to remain inconspicuous during critical moments showcases Ballard's emphasis on adaptability and the importance of being one with your surroundings.   Ballard's genius lies not just in his ability to select players, but in his skillful navigation of the delicate dance between expectation and reality. His selections may not always align with conventional wisdom, but they consistently challenge perceptions and redefine what it means to be a draft bust.   As Ballard continues to forge ahead, his unorthodox approach serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring NFL general managers everywhere, including those perusing fan forums. Because if there's one thing Chris Ballard has taught us, it's that in the unpredictable world of professional football, even the most unexpected outcomes can be reframed as victories in disguise.   AKB
    • He started 14 games at SS in 2019 and started 8 games in 2018 for the Jags.  I meant to post this earlier in the thread.   https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrRo02.htm        
    • The additions of say Taylor, Raimann, and looking back to Leonard could be called important, savy drafting.  Our Colts have been waiting for awhile for a special, difference making player to surprisingly fall to US. Right when we really really needed it to happen, it sure looks like we got two of them. 🙏 for good health.  AR a surprise at 4, not at all.  But      
    • You're not certain...but you know it's a fact.  How does that work? Haha
    • https://www.instagram.com/p/C8IYmmVuF6E/?img_index=1
  • Members

×
×
  • Create New...