The Indianapolis Colts decided to choose dynamic pass rusher Laiatu Latu (UCLA) with the 15th overall pick during the 2024 NFL Draft. While Indy could have used a corner or receiver, it’s also not often a potential generational talent at edge rusher falls into your lap.
Latu is an impactful player, but so are Dallas Turner (Minnesota Vikings) and Jared Verse (Los Angeles Rams). Despite these three to-level pass rushers going in the first round together, it’s fair to say Latu could be the most talented and have the highest ceiling.
Regardless of which pass rusher hits the ground running the quickest, these three names are big favorites for the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. FanDuel has Verse, Latu, and Turner competing for the top three chances to obtain the prestigious award.
Latu is second place behind Turner but by a slim margin. Two factors to consider are the 2023 year of college, and the NFL supporting cast for these rookies. In 2023, Latu was a menace in the defensive trenches for UCLA. Latu tied fifth in FBS with Verse for total pressures per Pro Football Focus with 62. However, when considering raw pass-rusher grades, Verse and Turner aren’t in the same league as the UCLA product.