stitches Posted May 18 Share Posted May 18 18 hours ago, IinD said: Agreed, very cool. He's very likeable. Over/under 2 games before he's called a bust here?? Do pre-season count? Actually I can see it happening even in pre-season. Imagine Dallas Turner gets 3 sacks against the 3d stringers of the Bills or something, while Latu gets shut down by a pro-bowler in our pre-season opener... and some variation of this will be said... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stitches Posted May 18 Share Posted May 18 20 hours ago, w87r said: 20 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 Yeah... I love how genuinely excited he is by this whole process. From videos coming into the building, to videos of the introduction to his helmet, to just any interview really... he seems so thankful and exuberant. Love his whole demeanor. There's very little to nothing that seems rehearsed or contrived like most of the prospects nowadays... This is not a dig at other players - they are all media coached and prepared so much in the pre-draft process that they lose a lot of their personality in front of the camera. I don't think this is the case with Laiatu. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
w87r Posted May 19 Share Posted May 19 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CR91 Posted May 19 Author Share Posted May 19 97 is gonna take time for me to get use to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RollerColt Posted May 19 Share Posted May 19 Really gives you perspective on how big he is compared to his peers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solid84 Posted May 19 Share Posted May 19 2 hours ago, RollerColt said: Really gives you perspective on how big he is compared to his peers. Yeah, saw a video of him playing rugby. He was definitely one of the big guys on the team lol. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdgacoltsfan Posted May 19 Share Posted May 19 Just now, Solid84 said: Yeah, saw a video of him playing rugby. He was definitely one of the big guys on the team lol. I saw that vid...I think it was high school. I'm amazed some of those smaller guys actually lived. He planted a few of them. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krunk Posted June 3 Share Posted June 3 Colts OT Bernhard Raimann on Laiatu Latu: He's going to be an 'impact player' https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2024/06/02/colts-ot-bernhard-raimann-on-laiatu-latu-hes-going-to-be-an-impact-player/ 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLD FAN MAN Posted June 3 Share Posted June 3 after all of ballards failed attempts at drafting a truly elite pass rusher I think imo he has finally drafted a game changer at pass rush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stitches Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 This is interesting. The Rams tried to trade with the Jets for 11 too: I wonder who they were targeting. Some are speculating Bowers at 11. Seattle reporters think they tried to jump the Seahawks for Byron Murphy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smittywerb Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 1 hour ago, stitches said: This is interesting. The Rams tried to trade with the Jets for 11 too: I wonder who they were targeting. Some are speculating Bowers at 11. Seattle reporters think they tried to jump the Seahawks for Byron Murphy. more reason to believe that after the top 3 wide receivers, Latu was their guy. To not accept an offer to move back ONLY 4 spots and gain a top 100 pick is hard to do. Bet if the rams through in a second instead of a third we might’ve took it. think about it, if you move back 4 spots you’d still have a shot at one of the two top corners or even Dallas turner. And we said no thanks, we want Latu. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdgacoltsfan Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 11 hours ago, smittywerb said: more reason to believe that after the top 3 wide receivers, Latu was their guy. To not accept an offer to move back ONLY 4 spots and gain a top 100 pick is hard to do. Bet if the rams through in a second instead of a third we might’ve took it. think about it, if you move back 4 spots you’d still have a shot at one of the two top corners or even Dallas turner. And we said no thanks, we want Latu. I'm glad we declined. Latu may or may not be great but I like the kid and will be pulling for him. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1959Colts Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 Happy we declined. Latu was the player I was hoping we would take at 15 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fluke_33 Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 3 minutes ago, 1959Colts said: Happy we declined. Latu was the player I was hoping we would take at 15 Same. I didn’t think he’d be there though. Polian would have taken him 2nd overall. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvan1973 Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 11 minutes ago, Fluke_33 said: Same. I didn’t think he’d be there though. Polian would have taken him 2nd overall. Polian would have taken MHJ 2nd . He would have loved Latu though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fluke_33 Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 6 minutes ago, jvan1973 said: Polian would have taken MHJ 2nd . He would have loved Latu though Maybe. Position was huge with him. Qb then de then ot 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvan1973 Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 1 hour ago, Fluke_33 said: Maybe. Position was huge with him. Qb then de then ot He drafted reggie and Dallas in the first. I think he drafted the best player even in his Buffalo days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throwing BBZ Posted June 16 Share Posted June 16 On 6/15/2024 at 3:53 AM, smittywerb said: more reason to believe that after the top 3 wide receivers, Latu was their guy. To not accept an offer to move back ONLY 4 spots and gain a top 100 pick is hard to do. Bet if the rams through in a second instead of a third we might’ve took it. think about it, if you move back 4 spots you’d still have a shot at one of the two top corners or even Dallas turner. And we said no thanks, we want Latu. 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 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smittywerb Posted June 16 Share Posted June 16 6 hours ago, throwing BBZ said: 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 Agreed. After this last off season, I kind of give Ballard a pass on taking long to find a certified DE (if Latu pans out). Like QBs, they don’t grow on trees. You either have to draft one high, get lucky with one in the draft, or sign one in FA for loads of cash. All I can ask for him as GM to do is try. He hasn’t been perfect by any means but at least he’s tried with the DE position specifically. i also think Shane being here has changed his thinking. Before, Ballard might’ve went with Turner due to the higher upside. But maybe Shane differs and wants proven players. Either way, I’m glad we possibly have our stud at a premium position for the next 5 years at a cheap rate. And gotta thank the Falcons for us landing Latu. Lol 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
w87r Posted June 17 Share Posted June 17 Edit: this appears to be news already posted, as I see prior quoted post about it, now. Sorry been away a few days. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NFLfan Posted June 17 Share Posted June 17 On 6/15/2024 at 2:49 AM, stitches said: This is interesting. The Rams tried to trade with the Jets for 11 too: I wonder who they were targeting. Some are speculating Bowers at 11. Seattle reporters think they tried to jump the Seahawks for Byron Murphy. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/rams-tried-to-trade-up-for-brock-bowers-then-byron-murphy You seem to be right. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teganslaw Posted June 17 Share Posted June 17 Laiatu Latu is one of the best pass rushers in the draft, but I am a bit concerned about his past neck injury. He had to go several doctors before finding one who allowed him to play. I'm sure the Colts vetted him before drafting (as did other teams who wanted him), so they must feel he's safe enough. However, this injury could re occur sometime, and cause later problems. Consider the Cowboys Leighton Vander Esh who was a very good player but finally had to retire due to a nagging neck injury. Is anyone else concerned about this? Or am I jumping to conclusions? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superman Posted June 17 Share Posted June 17 30 minutes ago, teganslaw said: Laiatu Latu is one of the best pass rushers in the draft, but I am a bit concerned about his past neck injury. He had to go several doctors before finding one who allowed him to play. I'm sure the Colts vetted him before drafting (as did other teams who wanted him), so they must feel he's safe enough. However, this injury could re occur sometime, and cause later problems. Consider the Cowboys Leighton Vander Esh who was a very good player but finally had to retire due to a nagging neck injury. Is anyone else concerned about this? Or am I jumping to conclusions? It's a valid concern. We had a powerhouse post on this from one of our members after the Colts made the pick. You should check it out. 4 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wig Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 On 6/15/2024 at 12:53 AM, smittywerb said: more reason to believe that after the top 3 wide receivers, Latu was their guy. To not accept an offer to move back ONLY 4 spots and gain a top 100 pick is hard to do. Bet if the rams through in a second instead of a third we might’ve took it. think about it, if you move back 4 spots you’d still have a shot at one of the two top corners or even Dallas turner. And we said no thanks, we want Latu. But if they were like me, they only liked one of the corners and wasn't a fan of Turner. So I'd look at it and say there's a fair chance the two guys I really liked that were left in that range would be gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CR91 Posted June 22 Author Share Posted June 22 3 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdgacoltsfan Posted June 22 Share Posted June 22 2 hours ago, CR91 said: SEC vs Pac 10 makes a big difference but I still love Latu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CR91 Posted June 22 Author Share Posted June 22 1 hour ago, cdgacoltsfan said: SEC vs Pac 10 makes a big difference but I still love Latu. Still played against teams like Washington and SC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdgacoltsfan Posted June 22 Share Posted June 22 7 minutes ago, CR91 said: Still played against teams like Washington and SC Compare that to Alabama and Georgia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoColts8818 Posted June 22 Share Posted June 22 On 6/15/2024 at 6:44 PM, jvan1973 said: He drafted reggie and Dallas in the first. I think he drafted the best player even in his Buffalo days He also took a running back with his second highest pick he had while here. I know running backs were as devalued as they are now then too still Polian model was always BPA that fit a need. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CR91 Posted June 23 Author Share Posted June 23 1 hour ago, cdgacoltsfan said: Compare that to Alabama and Georgia. I'm just saying. He did play competition Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoColts8818 Posted June 23 Share Posted June 23 1 hour ago, GoColts8818 said: He also took a running back with his second highest pick he had while here. I know running backs were as devalued as they are now then too still Polian model was always BPA that fit a need. Were NOT I mean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shasta519 Posted June 25 Share Posted June 25 On 6/22/2024 at 5:42 PM, cdgacoltsfan said: SEC vs Pac 10 makes a big difference but I still love Latu. And to be fair…Garrett was also two years younger. I mean… Garrett had 13.5 sacks in the NFL at the age Latu was a senior in college. Imagine Garrett still in college at that point. Latu is still a great prospect, but some of these are really high expectations. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solid84 Posted June 25 Share Posted June 25 52 minutes ago, shasta519 said: And to be fair…Garrett was also two years younger. I mean… Garrett had 13.5 sacks in the NFL at the age Latu was a senior in college. Imagine Garrett still in college at that point. Latu is still a great prospect, but some of these are really high expectations. Latu did miss 2 seasons because of his injury. In fact what I think is most impressive about Latu is he was out of football for 2 seasons, then comes in and dominates. That takes extreme focus and discipline. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewColtsFan Posted June 25 Share Posted June 25 22 minutes ago, Solid84 said: Latu did miss 2 seasons because of his injury. In fact what I think is most impressive about Latu is he was out of football for 2 seasons, then comes in and dominates. That takes extreme focus and discipline. FWIW: As you may know, one of our community members is not just a doctor, he’s a surgeon. And he has performed the exact surgery that Latu received. And just after the draft he shared here that once you’ve had the surgery, the impacted area is now STRONGER than it was before the injury. Reassuring news for all. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shasta519 Posted June 25 Share Posted June 25 12 hours ago, Solid84 said: Latu did miss 2 seasons because of his injury. In fact what I think is most impressive about Latu is he was out of football for 2 seasons, then comes in and dominates. That takes extreme focus and discipline. Right. It wasn't his fault or due to him developing late. But he was still an older prospect. And these stat comps to guys like Garrett, Bosa, Chase Young, etc. are comparing what Latu did at age 22/23 vs. other pass rushers who were age 19/20/21. It's likely his neck injury and his age-adjusted production were baked into his draft price though. He's polished, so I think he will translate to the NFL well enough. But until we see it, people are setting awfully high expectations with these comps. Personally, I would have taken Dallas Turner. I think he has the highest upside, given his traits, age and production. But I am glad Ballard grabbed an ER. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shasta519 Posted June 25 Share Posted June 25 12 hours ago, NewColtsFan said: FWIW: As you may know, one of our community members is not just a doctor, he’s a surgeon. And he has performed the exact surgery that Latu received. And just after the draft he shared here that once you’ve had the surgery, the impacted area is now STRONGER than it was before the injury. Reassuring news for all. The re-injury risk doesn't seem that concerning. If there was a high chance of re-injury, I doubt professional athletes would get the surgery and keep playing. I am not a doctor, but from what I have read on the procedure, my concerns would be more about the increased load-bearing on other joints and discs, which can cause pain and potential injury. And since it's been nearly 4 years since he had it, there's also an increased risk for the hardware having issues over time. But I think we can be reassured that we aren't going to be watching a game and see some re-injury occurs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewColtsFan Posted June 25 Share Posted June 25 5 hours ago, shasta519 said: Right. It wasn't his fault or due to him developing late. But he was still an older prospect. And these stat comps to guys like Garrett, Bosa, Chase Young, etc. are comparing what Latu did at age 22/23 vs. other pass rushers who were age 19/20/21. It's likely his neck injury and his age-adjusted production were baked into his draft price though. He's polished, so I think he will translate to the NFL well enough. But until we see it, people are setting awfully high expectations with these comps. Personally, I would have taken Dallas Turner. I think he has the highest upside, given his traits, age and production. But I am glad Ballard grabbed an ER. I haven’t seen the comps you speak of. I know most projections seem high. Football outsiders does an annual projection either just before or just after the draft. I think Liatu was projected with the most sacks and the number was basically 6 sacks. I suspect Liatu was picked in part because he’s an inch taller and roughly 20 pounds heavier than Turner. And I suspect the new DL coach, who I love, had strong input to the selection. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smittywerb Posted June 26 Share Posted June 26 Once again, Latu just pops on the screen. I know it’s just a drill, but compared to Ebukam…his movements and techniques are more fluid and crisp, and hes quicker. https://youtube.com/shorts/k5W6CFq5ReQ?si=7DLSO-G0Gqt-5R6a 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solid84 Posted June 26 Share Posted June 26 4 hours ago, smittywerb said: Once again, Latu just pops on the screen. I know it’s just a drill, but compared to Ebukam…his movements and techniques are more fluid and crisp, and hes quicker. https://youtube.com/shorts/k5W6CFq5ReQ?si=7DLSO-G0Gqt-5R6a Yeah, Ebukam almost looks clumsy next to Latu. He's just so fluid. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smittywerb Posted June 26 Share Posted June 26 9 hours ago, Solid84 said: Yeah, Ebukam almost looks clumsy next to Latu. He's just so fluid. Look how LOW he gets also! Definitely can’t wait to see him in pads with full contact. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
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 accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now