Laiatu Latu Interview: 'Winning DROY Would Mean A Lot'

Indianapolis Colts rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu has been one of the better rookie performers across the NFL. An athletic pass rusher with an explosive first step, Latu possesses the skill set required to develop into a double-digit sack artist. He’s currently displaying that potential for a Colts team in the thick of a postseason race.

Latu recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network while discussing his partnership with Campbell's Chunky and their Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. Latu self-scouted the start of his rookie season, his “Welcome to the NFL” moment, his evolving pass-rush arsenal, and more.

JM: You're here fighting food inequality on behalf of Campbell's Chunky and the Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. Why is this cause so important to you and your family?

Laiatu Latu: It’s definitely important to me because with every sack we record this season, Campbell’s Chunky is donating 1,000 meals to Feeding America. It’s honestly made me play even harder this season. I’m always thinking about that initiative.

My family didn’t have much growing up. Giving back to those in need is a huge goal of mine now that I’m in a position to do so. It’s awesome being out here. I appreciate what Campbell’s Chunky is doing.

JM: There’s no doubt about that. You’re eight weeks into your NFL career. How would you self-scout the first half of your rookie season? How do you feel you’ve acclimated?

Laiatu Latu: I think I’ve acclimated pretty well. I feel like I’ve gained a ton of experience throughout these first eight weeks of my rookie season. It helps a ton that I have teammates in my position room that I could look up to. I’m playing off of them and feeding off their energy. That’s been a big help for me.

JM: You’re referring to teammates like Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, and DeForest Buckner. Expanding on that last point, how have they helped you grow as a player?

Laiatu Latu: They’ve helped me so much. Whether we’re in-game or on the practice field, they’re constantly pulling me aside and offering helpful tips. They’ve pointed out a bunch of things I may not have thought of otherwise. 

It’s been like having a third eye. Those guys are proven veterans who have enjoyed a ton of success in this league. They’ve been playing this game at a high level for many, many years. I’ve been taking those tips and pointers to heart.

JM: We’ve seen weekly improvement from you. Did you have a “welcome to the NFL” moment? Maybe it was trying to tackle a running back you grew up watching, or something along those lines. What was your welcome to the league moment?

Laiatu Latu: I honestly feel like it happened this past game against the Houston Texans. The Texans ran a bootleg away from my side of the field and I was going up against Laremy Tunsil. I’m trying to get around him and then I have Joe Mixon chipping me outta’ nowhere as hard as he could (laughs).

And then one of their guards joined the fray and came to help Tunsil block me. They tried to take me out (laughs). Tunsil threw me on the ground and it felt like I had three dudes on me. I feel like that was my little wake-up to pro football (laughs).

JM: That’s awesome (laughs). Your first career sack occurred against Bears QB Caleb Williams. It was actually a strip sack. That was rookie-on-rookie crime! Break that play down for us.

Laiatu Latu: I remember they had two tight ends in protection. One of them was veteran Mercedes Lewis. I knew they were running max protection. They were backed up against the sticks.

I knew I was getting double-teamed by the tight end. Kwity Paye actually gave me this tip. I tried to attack the outside tight end and find that edge around him. Seeing that ball in Caleb’s hands, I went right for it. We got the sack and won the game.

JM: That was a big-time play against a rookie QB you’re familiar with. How has your pass-rush arsenal evolved from college to the pros? These tackles are a lot better than what you saw at UCLA. What’s working for you?

Laiatu Latu: Of course, they’re definitely a lot better than what I saw in college. I have to understand the certain types of pass sets these tackles are showing me. It’s all about attacking matchups. That’s been the main thing for me.
JM: You’re in the conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year. You’re among the top candidates. What would taking that honor home mean to you?

Laiatu Latu: I definitely need to step my game up if I want to win that award (laughs). Winning something like that would mean everything to me though. That’s one of my goals this season, for sure. Those honors are one of the main reasons we play this game, to be appreciated by our peers.

Winning Defensive Rookie of the Year would mean a lot.

JM: We’ve appreciated your time today, and thank you for the amazing work you’re doing with Campbell's Chunky and their Chunky Sacks Hunger program. In closing, what are your goals for the remainder of this season?

Laiatu Latu: Our goal is to win the AFC South division. We’re still in the hunt. If we manage to get in, we have designs on qualifying for the Super Bowl. For me, I’d love to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Those are the main goals the rest of the way.