The Indianapolis Colts will have a new defensive coordinator for the 2025-26 season after parting ways with Gus Bradley.
Lou Anarumo will join Indy as their new DC after serving in the same position with the Cincinnati Bengals for the last 6 seasons.
ESPN had their NFL staff writers name an X-factor for each team ahead of the 2025-26 season, with Colts reporter Stephen Holder naming former UCLA Bruin first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Laiatu Latu, for the Colts.
“Can Latu make a second-year jump? The Colts are betting heavily on their 2024 first-round pick, evidenced by them letting top edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo depart in free agency. That was a calculated risk based on Latu’s obvious pass-rush skills and high ceiling,” Holder wrote for ESPN. “But the UCLA product has to tap further into that potential this season and get more production than the four sacks he registered last season. If Latu steps up, it might help unlock the full potential of a talented defensive line.”
Latu’s rookie season could have gone better. The former 15th overall started in one game for Indianapolis his first year, recording 4 sacks and 32 total tackles.
With a new defensive coordinator in Indy, Laiatu Latu could see his numbers improve in his sophomore season.
All-Pro Teammate On Laiatu Latu
GettyIndianapolis Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner.
The EDGE rusher has earned praise from defensive lineman teammate DeForest Buckner, highlighting that Latu will improve in his second year.
“Tremendous jump,” Buckner said when asked how much Latu will improve. “He was frustrated his first year. He went into this offseason ready to work. He came in and he’s having a great camp. He’s more comfortable within the scheme after learning all the things. He’s been doing well.”
“It’s awesome being able to see him come off the edge and, obviously, me and a couple of other guys inside. I mean, he takes the pressure off of me and maybe they can slice some protection that way.”
The same can happen vice versa with the Colts’ defensive linemen. Forest can draw multiple offensive linemen, allowing Latu to get some 1-on-1s and more opportunities to get to opposing quarterbacks.
Pro Football Focus predicts Latu will break out in the 2025-26 season, saying, “Latu could evoke shades of his monster final collegiate season in his second year in the NFL.”
Developing Under Lou Anarumo
GettyNew Indianapolis Colts Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo
New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo helped develop Trey Hendrickson into one of the best pass rushers in the league during his time in Cincy.
Hendrickson recorded 13.5+ sacks in four of the last five seasons, including two consecutive 17.5 seasons in the AFC North.
If Anarumo can develop Laiatu Latu into a similar player for the Colts and if the former Bruin can translate that on game day, the young EDGE rusher should see a big season.
“[Latu’s] a guy that wants to be great,” Anarumo said, via the Colts website. “He wants to be the best. Works tirelessly every day, like a lot of our guys, but really pleased with where he’s at, what he’s doing and the skillset that he brings at that position.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Colts Second-Year EDGE Rusher Named X-Factor appeared first on Heavy Sports.