Stampede Blue
The Horseshoe Faithful have spoken once again....
While the Indiana Pacers are the talk of the town this weekend, the latest Indianapolis Colts offseason survey results are in.
When polled, fifty-one percent (51%) of Colts fans believe that among Indy’s key 2nd-year players, that former 2024 first round pick Laiatu Latu is the one best poised for a breakout:
Even though Latu may not be a starter per se, as both returning veteran Samson Ebukam and fellow former first rounder Kwity Paye may technically start to defend early running downs at both defense end spots, he’s expected to be an integral rotational pass rusher.
Being named to PFWA’s All-Rookie Team, Latu finished his debut pro campaign with 4.0 sacks, 38 total QB pressures, and 3 forced fumbles during 17 games (1 start). He figures to be an important piece in new Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense, who just coached reigning sack king Trey Hendrickson with the Cincinnati Bengals.
As for Colts first-year players beyond this year’s first round pick, tight end Tyler Warren, most of the Horseshoe faithful are excited to see this year’s 5th round pick, D.J. Giddens, out of Kansas State—with 36% excited for the well built back:
Giddens isn’t expected to start behind star workhorse Jonathan Taylor, but he does present a major upgrade as a change-of-pace option to both spell and help replace the Pro Bowler in some of his between-the-tackles work to help lighten #28’s load.
The former Wildcats standout rushed for over 1,300 rushing yards last year and his running style has drawn some comparisons to one of the Colts’ former 1,000 yard rushers, Marlon Mack. If he’s anything close to what Mack was at his peak, Indy will have found a Day 3 gem.
