Adonai Mitchell #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs catches a touchdown pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Championship held at Lucas Oil Stadium — January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. | Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images Indianapolis’ war room certainly had Mitchell within the top-10 receivers on its draft board as Colts head coach Shane Steichen and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter attended Mitchell’s pro day in Austin.  DETROIT – ‘AR to AD for six’. The Indianapolis Colts drafted Texas receiver Adonai Mitchell with the No. 52 overall pick aft ..read more

Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Indianapolis adds a dynamic playmaker in the second round. The Indianapolis Colts have selected Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell with the No. 52 selection in the NFL Draft, according to multiple reports. Per @Schultz_Report, the #Colts take WR-Adonai Mitchell (Texas) at No. 52. — Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) April 27, 2024 After trading back from their original pick (No. 46) and getting two fifth-round picks in return (No.’s 142 and 155), the Colts opted to take Mitchell and give second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson another weapon ..read more

Photo by John Smolek/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images With some initial surprise after the Colts pick, how are we feeling now? Offense. Offense. More offense. Offense. Some more offense. That is how the 2024 NFL Draft started off. It was a historic night as the first fourteen picks went on one side of the ball. For a team that leaked like a sieve at times on the defensive side, the Indianapolis Colts were looking pretty when it was their turn on the clock. Every edge rusher, cornerback, linebacker, and safety were still on the board. I mean, all of them. Most fans thought Chris Ballard would g ..read more

Colts first round draft pick Laiatu Latu speaks to the media inside the One Campus Martius press conference room in Detroit — April 25, 2024. | Thomas Butler-Guerrero  “I just thought it might be the right fit because Kwity Paye was over there, who I got to work with our pass rush coach Eddy (McGilvra),” Latu said. DETROIT — Indianapolis Colts first round draft pick Laiatu Latu is a polished edge rusher with a myriad of moves to wreak havoc in the backfield. At some point, every football player has to decide when to officially hang the cleats up. Some players decide at 18, while others ar ..read more

Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images It comes with medical risk, but the Colts arguably got one of the draft’s biggest steals if Laiatu Latu can stay healthy, given his talent and natural pass rushing ability. According to PFF, new Indianapolis Colts edge Laitu Latu has been labeled one of the 2024 NFL Draft’s ‘biggest steals,’ as the popular advanced football grade guru is a big proponent of arguably the top pass rusher in this year’s class: EDGE LAIATU LATU, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS Latu captured five of nine top spots in PFF’s key grading facets among eligible EDGE defenders and earned an elite ..read more

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Indianapolis Colts selected Laiatu Latu with the 15th pick in the draft. Latu was the first defensive player selected. Here is a full breakdown of Latu’s game: Strengths Extremely productive player over the course of two seasons Shows the ability to play on the edge (5 or 7 tech) or inside as a stand up 3 tech. He wins from all spots. Very active, quick and violent hands; shows a good variety of hand fighting moves. The quickness of the movements can’t be understated. His rips, swats and counters are especially good. Look at how quick, violent and efficient h ..read more

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images The Colts were active in trade talks trying to trade up from the 15th overall pick, but couldn’t find a willing trade partner. According to general manager Chris Ballard, the Indianapolis Colts tried trading up from the #15th overall pick for a top offensive player, but were obviously unsuccessful in their attempts to find a willing trade partner—despite making “big offers” (via StampedeBlue’s Chris Shepherd): Chris Ballard said that they tried to move up in the draft but that no one wanted to move back to #Colts spot at 15, despite making a big offer. pic ..read more

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports What grade are you giving the Colts following their surprising selection of UCLA edge Laiatu Latu? Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Indianapolis Colts fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. In a surprise of sorts, the Indianapolis Colts selected UCLA edge Laiatu Latu with the 15th overall pick, who may have slid outside the Top 10 because of medical concerns—including past serious spinal issues, where he was even forced to med ..read more

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images Jay Robins caught up with Laiatu Latu at the Senior Bowl this past February. Get the early peak at Latu’s mindset, mentors, and who he is looking forward to sacking most. This past February in Mobile, Alabama I got to talk to now new Colts pass rusher Laiatu Latu. A young, enthusiastic, and passionate man, Latu came across as a student of the game with a clear determination yet fun loving energy. Got to talk to Washington EDGE Latu about which NFL players does he model his pass rush moves after: - Tryon (great mentor as fmr Huskie teammate) - TJ Watt - Cr ..read more

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images The Colts added another impact pass rusher, as the team competes in the AFC South with quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence. According to general manager Chris Ballard on ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’ the Indianapolis Colts “can never have enough pass rushers,” which is why arguably the most natural sackmaster in this year’s draft class, UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, was chosen with the 15th pick: "I don't think you can ever go wrong drafting pass rushers.. We think very highly of Laiatu Latu" Chris Ballard #PMSDraftSpectacular pic.twitter.com/0LtrIuVBT1 — Pat M ..read more