Fishing Planet

Indianapolis Colts 2024 NFL draft picks: Laiatu Latu adds pass-rush tenacity

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INDIANAPOLIS -- The 2024 NFL draft wrapped up Saturday.

Here is a look at each of Indianapolis' selections:

Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart

Round 1, No. 15 overall: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

My take: The Colts could have gone several directions with this pick, but they went with a player they had conviction about versus pinpointing a position of greater weakness. Indianapolis had significant pass-rush production last season, with 51 sacks. But instead of moving on to other areas of the roster, the Colts chose to bolster that unit with one of the most productive defensive players in this draft. The Colts are going to have a huge rotation of edge rushers and might even have to rethink a roster spot or two if there's a trade market. As for his past injury history, Latu said Washington's decision to not allow his return from neck surgery in 2020 "wasn't really handled in the best way.".

Key stat: Latu's 23.5 sacks over the past two seasons is the nation's top total in FBS. It's the product of consistent pressure from the 2023 All-America and Lombardi Award winner. Latu had a 20% pressure rate in 2023, second best in the country. But the production doesn't end there; Latu also had 33.5 tackles for loss and forced five fumbles over the past two seasons. The Colts have drafted their share of pass-rushers in recent years -- Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, Tyquan Lewis among them -- but none had nearly the kind of consistent production that Latu has enjoyed.

Will he start as a rookie? That's a tough question to answer right now, but it feels likely that he initially comes off the bench as a rotational player. But don't be surprised if that changes soon depending on how quickly Latu can get up to speed and acclimate to the speed of the NFL game. He spoke on Thursday night of his substantial arsenal of pass-rush moves, which should serve him well against the lineup of offensive tackles he'll see in the NFL.

Round 2, No. 52: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

My take: Unable to trade up for a receiver in the first round, the Colts traded back a few spots in the second and filled the need with an interesting player with significant upside. Mitchell joins a wide receiver unit in Indianapolis that already has several players with defined roles, so what impact he has as a rookie will depend on how quickly he earns playing time. At minimum, the Colts have increased the competition level at the position and, specifically, put pressure on third-year player Alec Pierce with another speedster in Mitchell who turned in a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine.

Key stat: Mitchell had a breakout season in his first season at Texas in 2023, scoring 11 touchdowns -- tied for fifth most in a single season in school history. That's the most eye-popping stat put up by Mitchell, but there are certainly others, like his five receiving touchdowns in College Football Playoff games in three combined seasons at Georgia and Texas. The the second most in CFP history behind former Alabama star DeVonta Smith (eight). Another number worth mentioning: Mitchell averaged 15.4 yards per reception in 2023, with nearly 20% of his receptions coming on vertical routes.

Round 3, No. 79: Matt Goncalves, OT, Pitt

My take: The Colts could have gone a number of other directions here, but they opted for offensive line depth despite having all five of their starters returning. Indianapolis traded up three spots to make this selection, suggesting they had targeted Goncalves on their draft board. The question remains as to what position he'll play, seeing how he was a full-time tackle during his college career but is viewed by many as a potential interior lineman.

Will he start as a rookie?: Goncalves will likely start out as a rotational player competing for playing time behind the starters and competing with backups like Blake Freeland. What he has going for him is his versatility, something he emphasized during his introductory media availability Friday night. He's played at right and left tackle and even spent a little time at left guard during his career.

Round 4, No. 117: Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin

My take: The Colts' priorities, per usual, remain clear. They have always concentrated on the trenches, and they did it again here. Bortolini is the third lineman drafted by the Colts in their four picks, reinforcing general manager Chris Ballard's philosophy. Here, Bortolini gives the Colts additional offensive line depth and provides potentially reliable depth behind Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly, who turns 31 next month.

Round 5, No. 142: Anthony Gould, WR, Oregon State

My take: The Colts have now taken a couple swings at adding some juice at wide receiver with this pick and the selection of Adonai Mitchell in the second round. Gould projects as a return man for the Colts, especially given the coming shift with the changes on kickoffs planned for this fall. Gould averaged 18.3 yards per punt return in 2022, third best in the FBS subdivision. Gould had two punt-return touchdowns that season.

Round 5, No. 151: Jaylon Carlies, S/LB, Missouri

My take: Carlies was a productive player at safety in college, but he projects as a linebacker in the Colts' defensive system. Indianapolis asks a great deal of its linebackers in pass coverage, so Carlies could be an ideal fit in that regard. The Colts had some success with a "tweener" last season with Ronnie Harrison Jr. shifting from safety to linebacker, so there is recent precedent for a move like this. The Colts' depth was also a little thin at linebacker, so this addresses a need and protects them in the case of injuries.

Round 5, No. 164: Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn

My take: The Colts got themselves a possible free safety who snatched four interceptions for the Tigers last season and has played in numerous systems under various coordinators and possesses good range in coverage. Indianapolis has so far resisted the urge to address their secondary in free agency, so there exists the possibility for a rookie to come in and push for playing time alongside veteran strong safety Julian Blackmon.

Round 6, No. 201: Micah Abraham, CB, Marshall

My take: The Colts have proceeded through this offseason as though they felt secure in their defensive backfield as presently constituted, despite its youth. But this is a pick that gives them a developmental piece to work with, even though Abraham is undersized and lacks ideal physical traits. His bloodlines are more than notable, however. His dad, Donnie, was a nine-year NFL cornerback and his cousin, Tim Jennings, made two Pro Bowls. Both played cornerback.

Round 7, No. 234 overall: Jonah Laulu, DT, Oklahoma

My take: The Colts appear to be taking a flier on a player with physical traits they covet, a long interior defensive lineman who perhaps can provide depth behind the team's experienced veterans. Laulu played six years of college ball, spending the first four at Hawaii before transferring to Oklahoma.