Colts' 'Most Promising Building Block' Has Shot at Pro Bowl in 2026

The Indianapolis Colts are putting a lot of weight on some of their younger players to take a big leap forward in 2026.

Arguably, the most critical player in this group is third-year defensive end Laiatu Latu, who is the undisputed top player in a collection of pass-rushers that's met with some skepticism.

The Colts parted with veteran edges Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis in the offseason and replaced them with Arden Key, Micheal Clemons, George Gumbs Jr., and Caden Curry; a group that's based more on upside than proven production.

With so much unknown on the edges for the Colts, it's paramount that Latu takes his game to another level.

“I think he's worked tremendously hard this offseason," Colts head coach Shane Steichen recently said about Latu. "Obviously, we're not in pads right now, but he's had some good pass rush moves, and you can see the strength and explosiveness off the ball. So, obviously want a big year from him, and I know he wants that as well.”

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Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently listed each NFL team's "most promising building block," declaring Latu as the Colts' selection.

"The Indianapolis Colts ... worked to reload a defense that ranked 23rd overall last season," Knox wrote. "While Indy did add several new pieces to its defense this offseason—including first- and second-round picks CJ Allen and A.J. Haulcy—it has at least one promising defensive building block in Laiatu Latu."

"Latu, a 2024 first-round pick out of UCLA, showed flashes during his rookie season but wasn't a consistent difference-maker," Knox continued. "However, he became that in 2025, finishing the year with 45 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 20 quarterback hits.

"Now established as a disruptive edge-rusher and a full-time starter, Latu is potentially poised to make another jump. If players like Allen, Haulcy, and Arden Key can help boost Indy's overall defensive efficiency, Latu should have a shot at double-digit sacks and Pro Bowl consideration."

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Latu was a role player as a rookie in 2024, starting just one of 17 games and recording 4.0 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and five tackles for loss before becoming a full-time starter in 2025. He took a leap in year two, leading the Colts with 8.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, and 12 tackles for loss.

According to Pro Football Focus, Latu was the NFL's 10th-best edge defender, with a grade of 84.1. Some of that was due to having the 21st-best pass-rushing grade (77.0), with his 61 pressures ranking 19th, but the X-factor was Latu's effectiveness in coverage, as he snagged three interceptions.

While the interceptions are a nice, unexpected cherry on top of Latu's game, the Colts will take more substance and a stronger finish as a pass-rusher. They believe he has ridden a fine line between his moderate production and being a player who puts up double-digit sacks.

If Latu can find a way to get to the quarterback just a little quicker, look for those 8.5 sacks to approach a dozen or so in 2026.