Indianapolis Colts' defensive end Laiatu Latu has a big goal entering his third NFL season -- he wants to hit the 10-plus sack mark this year.
"For me, it's double digits this year. Definitely double digits," Latu said.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo set the same goal for Latu earlier this offseason.
After recording 38 pressures as a rookie in 2024, Latu tallied 61 pressures this past season. Among defensive ends, that was the 15th-most during the regular season.
He would rank 25th among his position group in pass rush win rate as well, according to PFF. Latu fell just shy of the 10-sack mark, totaling 8.5 on the season.
To help Latu get to that double-digit mark, he focused on his get-off at the snap this offseason, noting that there were times
where he just missed out on recording a sack. Maintaining his flexibility and building upper body strength were priorities as well.
The comfort that comes with being in Anarumo's defensive scheme for a second season can be a catalyst for improved play, as can the Colts' cornerbacks. Charvarius Ward and Sauce Gardner should form one of the top duos in football, forcing quarterbacks to hold on to the ball, creating more time for the pass rush to get home.
A lot of turnover took place at the defensive end position this offseason, and the starting spot opposite of Latu is up for grabs. Whether or not the Colts can generate a more consistent pass rush around Latu this season remains to be seen, but the organization's willingness to part with several veteran pass rushers speaks to the confidence that they have in Latu to continue ascending.
"Definitely for me, I mean, every year I want it to be a big year," Latu said, "but like going into my third year, I want to make a statement for sure and continue doing what I was doing last year and just keep improving."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts' DE Laiatu Latu with big goal for 2026 NFL season
