In his second season in the NFL, Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu took a step forward with three interceptions and 8.5 sacks in 2025.
However, ESPNis projecting that Latu's sack production will take a step backward in 2026, with him totaling just 6.5 sacks this season.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo sees Latu going in the other direction
, however, with him reaching the double-digit sack mark.Last season, Latu earned an 84.1 grade from Pro Football Focus, which was the tenth-highest among any edge rushers in the league. He excelled not only as a pass rusher but also as a run defender, having a top-20 PFF grade in both categories.
Latu generated a total of 61 pressures and forced a fumble, which is a significant step forward compared
to his rookie year.
Latu taking another step forward for the Colts in Year 3 will be a must for a Colts' defense that has major question marks at the pass rusher position.
The addition of Arden Key, what should be a stout Colts' secondary, and a resurgent offense with the return of Daniel Jones are all outside factors that could also help Latu reach that next level as a pass rusher.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: How many sacks did ESPN predict Colts DE Laiatu Latu have in 2026?
