A Year 2 jump from Laiatu Latu would go a long ways in providing the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive line with a big boost.
So in the early going of training camp, what has new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo seen from Latu?
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“He’s been consistent,” Anarumo said via Horseshoe Huddle. “I think a guy that is on ascend. As I mentioned the other day about him, he wants to be great, and he has all the ability to do that. So, just a guy that’s honing in on his techniques and responsibilities, and he’s done a great job.”
In recent practices, Latu has been picking up steam and has been particularly disruptive.
Latu’s 38 pressures as a rookie were the second-most on the Colts, but ranked 50th among all defensive ends. However, perhaps a sign of what’s to come is that he also ranked 27th in PFF’s pass rush win rate metric, which as it sounds, measures how often a pass rusher is beating the blocker across from them.
Oftentimes, when a player is able to win their one-on-one matchups regularly, as Latu did, the production will follow.
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The experience gained in Year 1, along with having an offseason to work on your craft, are key reasons why many successful NFL players make a jump in Year 2. But also a part of that equation for Latu will be the new defensive scheme.
Under Anarumo, there will be more movement up front to help create mismatches. We will also see a more aggressive approach overall and more disguise-heavy coverages. Both elements should help take away the quick game from opponents, which last season made it very difficult for the Colts’ pass rushers to get home when the ball was out of the quarterback’s hands so quickly.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts training camp: Lou Anarumo on play of DE Laiatu Latu