Deep Dive Into Colts New Edge: Laiatu Latu (W/BleavinUCLA)

In what can only be described as a podcast version of a Progressive commercial, Fabs gets a lesson in technology, popular (and unpopular) phrases, and how not to secure a meeting with HR, while he schools us fantasy football prioritization. Lindsay Rhodes and Michael Fabiano discuss which veteran players most benefited from the draft in fantasy, and which ones saw their value take a hit. Plus… Fabs reveals his post-draft fantasy Redraft rankings. And Lindsay takes issue with a few. Download and subscribe to the BLEAV Fantasy Football Show wherever you get your podcasts and follow Lindsay and Michael on twitter @lindsay_rhodes and @michael_fabiano.

The was a lot in 2023 that held back Anthony Richardson. Right after being drafted, Anthony had to split 1st team reps with Gardner Minshew. He was unable to get any reps with probably the best playmaker on the team: Jonathan Taylor. He drastically improved from weeks 1 & 2, to weeks 4 & 5, in the 2023 NFL season. He does not have those hurdles to deal with, coming into the 2024 season. The difference between having Zach Moss, and Taylor, can not be understated! The Indianapolis Colts have multiple explosive weapons for AR, he did not have last year. I don't see Richardson's injuries, as him being 'injury prone'. He has so many weapons around him, he will not need to run the football as much. How good do you think Anthony Richardson will do this season?

The 53 man cuts for the Indianapolis Colts are going to be tough. Elite edge pass rush was a need, and Laiatu Latu is definitely a home run. Adonai Mitchell can absolutely be a dangerous weapon to the Indy offense. Matt Goncalves is a power tackle, that probably won't do well vs speed rushers. Tanor Bortolini is a smart, technically sound, center or guard. But needs to get stronger. Anthony Gould is a burner. Return specialist, who could also back-up slot receiver. Jaylon Carlies is a traditional body type for Chris Ballard, but needs work at linebacker. Jaylin Simpson has a lot of versatility when playing defensive back. Micah Abraham a lot of production, but not a typical Ballard move. Jonah Laulu is a typical Ballard pick for 3 tech, but needs a lot of improvement in different areas.

It was the second time Asst. Director: Jaime Moore got on a draft call. Jaylon Carlies was a scout team unanimous decision. Jaylin Simpson is going to be given a chance at cornerback. Laiatu Latu was considered a "When a talent line, meets the need line". Both offensive linemen were picked because of talent & toughness. The Wide Receivers were selected in part due to the arm strength of Anthony Richardson. Anthony Gold was specifically selected due to the new kickoff rules. The Indianapolis Colts are excited about the defensive backs that are coming back. Running back was not selected, because Jonathan Taylor is their guy.

Laiatu Latu really turned around the UCLA defense immediately after transferring, post surgery. Latu patterns his game off Aaron Donald and Maxx Crosby. Latu might be able to shock some people early in the season, and earn opposing offenses respect. Weak points Laiatu has that could hold him back, or that he needs to work on? Can Laiatu be a 3 down lineman for the Indianapolis Colts, and stop the run? Latu can play inside as well, and the defense ran through him. Latu never missed a game for UCLA, and James never had any worry about his previous neck injury. He can come in, and learn a lot, from the guys the Colts already have. Where you can find and follow James Williams.

Donald Thomas is back! Should the Indianapolis Colts make a move on pass rush, if available at 15? Is it the receiver corps, or the Quarterback play? Should Brock Bowers be a target? The secondary played poor, but is it just inexperience? Where do you draft one? Do the Colts need to change the DB coach? How heavily should Chris Ballard be looking to move up? The 1st pick needs to be an impact player, no matter the position. Indy still basically has a rookie Quarterback.

@00:14 Intro @01:20 Rock is very good at man coverage, especially versus big, possession type receivers. @03:29 He never had a chance in Baltimore to get comfortable with the defense around him. @05:30 After being traded to the Raiders, he had a solid season, then bet on himself in Free Agency. @07:25 His last season with the Indianapolis Colts, he was a CB1, and played like it. @09:40 Ya-Sin's lock down ability will help the 49ers defense get to the Quarterback even more!  

Too much smoke, to see the fire. Marvin Harrison Jr. is my #1 Wide Receiver Prospect, but I doubt Indy moves up to get him. Malik Nabers is not an 'X' Receiver, but he'll be top receiving target for most teams. Rome Odunze is a dangerous target on the outside, reminds me of Colts: Michael Pittman Jr. Brian Thomas Jr. is fast for a big guy, but is a project. Xavier Worthy is lightning in a bottle, but his size is worrisome to me. Adonai Mitchell is someone who could be an Indianapolis Colts, if he works on 1 thing, and keeps his diabetes in check. Xaiver Legette and Keon Coleman round out my 2nd round guys, in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Defensive Back position was not up to par for the Indianapolis Colts last season. Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo is the best all-around cornerback prospect in this 2024 NFL draft. Nate Wiggins of Clemson is the biggest boom or bust prospect in the entire draft. Terrion Arnold out of Alabama has great instincts, but lack of confidence, and top end speed will limit him. Kool-Aid McKinstry from Bama is not good at zone defense. Cooper DeJean from Iowa is a Swiss Army knife of defensive backs.

The Indianapolis Colts are trying to get an elite pass rusher. Picking 15th overall on the 2024 NFL draft, you're hoping for a blue chipper to fall. Dallas Turner from Alabama probably won't make it to #15, but if he falls, he's a no-brainer pick. Laiatu Latu from UCLA is absolutely amazing, but his neck surgery is a red flag. Jared Verse from FSU is a powerhouse, but I don't believe he is an elite pass rusher. Chop Robinson from Penn State is very fast, but has too many unknowns to pick in round 1.