UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, known for his edge rushing skills, broke a record streak in the NFL draft. He became the first defensive player picked, going 15th overall, to the Indianapolis Colts. This pick ended a streak of 14 consecutive offensive players chosen.
Before Latu’s selection, the latest a defensive player had been taken in the first round was at pick No. 8, when the Carolina Panthers selected Jaycee Horn in 2021.
This draft set another record with 14 consecutive offensive players chosen before Latu. Among them were six quarterbacks, including Caleb Williams from USC going to Chicago, LSU’s Jayden Daniels to Washington, and North Carolina’s Drake Maye to New England in the top three picks.
Additionally, three wide receivers and three offensive tackles were among the top 14 picks.
Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga was picked 14th by the New Orleans Saints. The Colts broke the offensive streak by selecting Latu.
Latu had an outstanding college career, earning All-American honors and being named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. He led college football with 21.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.
Following Latu, the Seattle Seahawks picked Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy at No. 16, and the Minnesota Vikings traded up to select Alabama outside linebacker Dallas Turner, making it three consecutive defensive players chosen.
