UCLA's Laiatu Latu Breaks String Of Offensive Players As First Defensive Player Selected In NFL Draft

DETROIT – They say defense wins championships, or at least that was the thinking in 1972 or so.

So while the rest of the teams picking in the top half of the 2024 NFL Draft were trying to win the draft by picking offensive talent Thursday, the Indianapolis Colts leaned to that defense motto by selecting UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu.

Latu is the first defensive player selected in the draft. He was picked No. 15 overall.

Yeah, wild draft.

This makes sense if you recognize that Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley wants his front four to attack the quarterback so that he doesn't have to blitz. Well, Latu was the most accomplished edge rusher in this draft.

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 25: UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL Draft. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Latu is coming off two monster seasons at UCLA in 2022 and 2023. He recorded 10 1/2 sacks and 12 1/2 tackles for a loss in 2022, and then as an encore he delivered 13 sacks and 21 1/2 tackles for a loss in 2023.

So this pick makes a ton of sense but for one issue.

Latu was at Washington when he suffered a serious neck injury. It led to the medical staff to recommend what is known as medical retirement, which Latu agreed to take. He was sidelined for two years before restarting his career at UCLA.

Doctors throughout the league cleared Latu despite the fact he underwent a neck fusion surgery. 

But Dr. David Chao, an OutKick contributor, says the concern is not necessarily the past surgery but of future longevity.

"Although many players return to play following such a procedure, the concern is another neck injury," Dr. Chao said. "The resultant potential need for further fusion surgery would likely force him out of the game permanently"

Chao noted that was the case with former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. He was able to play following neck issues at Boise State and needing a neck fusion surgery.

But once he hurt his neck a second time he was forced to retire. Vander Esch played only six seasons.

That doesn't mean Latu's career will end prematurely. But the danger is something the Colts obviously must have discussed and found a comfort level for.