Get ready, Emerald City, because Laiatu Latu is already a problem, and Colts fans are convinced he's about to get even scarier. Back in 2025, our Seahawks saw him make a stop at Lumen Field with our own eyes, and now, even with that kind of impact already on his resume, 34% of Colts fans in a recent survey are betting he'll be their "most improved player" for the upcoming 2026 campaign. That's wild, considering the guy was already playing like a beast.
Latu's 2025 Numbers Were Straight Up Dominant
Seriously, this dude was already crushing it. In 2025, Latu nearly hit double-digit sacks with 8.5 total, which is legit for a pass rusher. But he wasn't just getting to the QB, he was disrupting everything. He tallied a forced fumble, racked up 61 total QB pressures, and get this, snagged a surprising 3 interceptions! Yeah, a defensive end with three picks. That's not normal. PFF thought he was elite too, grading him at a +84.1 overall, making him their 9th best graded player last year. When a guy puts up those kinds of stats as a second-year player, you figure that's his breakout, right? But apparently, the Colts faithful think he's got another gear.The Colts Are Counting On Him to Level Up
It makes sense why Colts fans are so hyped for Latu to take another massive leap. He's heading into his third year, he was a 2024 first-round pick, and here's the kicker: he's the lone returning starter at defensive end. That means he's the guy. He's gonna be the anchor for their edge rush, and with another year under veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, he's expected to really take control. They're counting on him, and based on those 2025 stats, it's not a crazy bet. This dude is already balling out, and the thought of him getting even better should make any offensive line, including our Hawks', a little nervous when they see the Colts on the schedule. So, as we look ahead to the 2026 season, knowing Laiatu Latu is still out there, potentially even better, means our own offensive line needs to be ready. Coach Macdonald and OC Brian Fleury will definitely have to game plan for this guy, because if he takes that "next step forward" Colts fans are expecting, he's going to be a force. Let's hope Sam Darnold has his head on a swivel when we face those Colts again.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.