Defensive Line expert compares Colts 1st round pick Laiatu Latu to All-Pro T.J. Watt

On top of training Latu, McGilvera works with many top defensive linemen in the NFL. Some of his clients include: 

• Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions
• Kenny Clark, Green Bay Packers
• Quinnen Williams, New York Jets
• Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers

 So, it's safe to say that McGilvera has seen greatness on the defensive line, and I don't take it lightly that he threw out such a strong pro comp for Latu's game. I reached out to McGilvera to ask him for more details on the similarities he sees between Latu and Watt. Here is what he shared with me: 

"If you watch Latu rush, it’s very similar movement progressions to TJ (Watt). Getting the edge by setting up power footwork & cross-club-rip is a go-to for TJ, and the same is true for Latu.

They both have the ability to turn a corner against a OT and not have to slow down. Incredible ankle flexibility & hip mobility. They also are very slippery once engaged. They use the OLs leverage against them to get off blocks. Also in coverage when they drop they make plays."

- Private Defensive Line Coach Eddy McGilvera 

To end our conversation, McGilvera made a bold prediction about the type of production the Colts will get out of Latu, and he thinks it will happen during his rookie contract.

"I think Latu has a 20+ sack season in him over the next 3-5 years" - Eddy McGilvera 

After hearing McGilvera speak on the similarities between Latu and Watt, I decided to look at some numbers to see how the two compare.

Size

The two are nearly identical in size. Latu measured in at 6'4 and weighed in at 259 lbs. Watt measured in at 6'4" and weighed in at 252 lbs. Watt's arm length measured 33.125" long, which is just longer than Latu's arms, which measured 32.625".

College Production 

Watt played two years of college football at Wisconsin but only had one season of NFL-caliber tape. That came during his final college season in 2016, where he set his college career highs with 63 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks in 14 games. During his final college season, Latu recorded 49 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 13.0 sacks in just 12 games. These numbers are pretty similar, with Latu having a clear edge. A big difference, though, is Latu had two seasons of NFL-caliber production, with him recording 36 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks during his junior season in 2022.

Athletic testing

Latu and Watt's 40-yard dash times were separated by just .05, with Watt recording a 4.69 and Latu a 4.64; their 20-yard splits were even closer, with Watt's being 2.71 and Latu just .01 secs faster at 2.7. Their explosive testing is the most significant difference, with Watt grading out in elite territory with a 37" vertical and 10'8" broad jump compared to Latu, who graded out as just slightly above average with a 32" vertical and a 9'8" broad jump.

Below is both Latu and Watt's Relative Athletic Scores: