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Indianapolis Colts' Laiatu Latu Reveals High Expectations For Shedeur Sanders In NFL

NFL All-Rookie Selection Laiatu Latu of the Indianapolis Colts recently had an interview where he was asked about Shedeur Sanders. Latu recalled their meeting from college in 2023 and went on to give his thoughts about how Sanders will fare in the NFL.

Kyron Samuels

Oct 28, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) throws the ball against the UCLA Bruins in the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Oct 28, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) throws the ball against the UCLA Bruins in the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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In an interview with Good Morning Football on NFL Network, Indianapolis Colts defensive end/linebacker Laiatu Latu was asked about Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Latu, who played Sanders during his last season at UCLA is very familiar with the polarizing star quarterback. In that encounter almost two seasons ago, Latu had arguably the best game of his career that bolted him into first-round consideration.

Latu racked up an incredibly impressive three sacks in a UCLA win and even more pressures and quarterback hits. Latu was menacing in that game, but despite the amount of individual success achieved, Latu came away with a lot of respect for Sanders and his ability. Most notably, Sanders's ability to navigate the pocket and his underrated athleticism when doing so have been a common critique of Sanders in the pre-draft process. 

Colorado Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sander
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Shedeur Sanders on the red carpet before Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“I think Shedeur [Sanders] is a great quarterback. I remember playing him, and his pocket presence, just him being able to be super dynamic in the pocket and make something happen out of nothing is what I think of the last time I played him. He’s going to be a great athlete, keep developing, and he’s going to tear it up in the league," Latu said during an interview on Good Morning Football.

The 15th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to the Indianapolis Colts totaled 32 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery as a rookie. Sanders is already being stamped by established NFL players who have seen firsthand how talented he is on the football field. 

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As the pre-draft process goes on, the noise around Sanders’s game should decrease as people sift through game film and hear statements like Latu’s. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr is one of the people who have firm belief in Sanders as the best quarterback in the 2025 draft class. He recently shared his explanation for why in a television segment. 

“He dealt with NFL conditions. You can win big in the NFL going about your business like Shedeur Sanders does," said Kiper on ESPN's First Take.

Sanders is no stranger to dealing with hate from fans and even some prominent media members. Although he doesn’t address them mostly, Sanders took a moment at the NFL Scouting Combine during an interview. While respectful, there was a sense of annoyance that seeped through. 

"When people say I'm not one of the top QBs or the top QB, what are y'all going based on? I did it year after year after year. Obviously it has to be some kind of external hate that you have for the last name, because I've proven myself on the field," said Sanders in an interview at the NFL Scouting Combine. 

Sanders is both loved and hated, but the people that have played and coached against him all sing a similar tune, he’s a dang good football player. 

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Kyron Samuels
KYRON SAMUELS

Kyron Samuels is a former college and professional football player now a writer, analyst, & digital host. Kyron is a writer for USC Trojans on SI and contributes to Oregon Ducks on SI. A graduate and letterman at Jacksonville State University, Samuels was a three-year starter, two-time all-conference, and won three consecutive conference titles. After a four-year professional stint between the AFL & XFL, Samuels retired from football. In 2022, Samuels was inducted into the Fairhope Athletic Hall of Fame. Post-playing career, Samuels has become a credentialed sports media member covering the NFL, UFL, USFL, & college football. The NFL Combine, Reese’s Senior Bowl, & East-West Shrine Bowl are amongst the events Kyron has covered. As a guest and host, Samuels has been featured on ESPNRadio, FoxSportsRadio, & IHeartRadio. Outside of sports media, Samuels works as a scouting consultant and has experience coaching at the collegiate level.

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