The key to fantasy production is finding players who combine talent with opportunity. The 2024 NFL Draft brought the excitement of new talent into the league. But players need the opportunity to produce, and opportunity is all about landing spots.
Three rookie edge rushers stand out in terms of landing spots. Two of them happen to have played together in college.
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Laiatu Latu, Indianapolis Colts
The first defensive pick in the draft had to wait for a record 14 consecutive picks to find out his new home, but the seal was finally broken when the Colts selected rookie edge rusher Latu. Latu comes into this new spot with a tremendous skill set that proved he was elite in college. He also comes into the fold with the most serious red flag a player can have. He was medically retired in 2020 due to concerns with his neck. For those wondering, if we didn't know about this injury and strictly went with the on-field product, you wouldn't have any concerns at all. He already overcame the odds and was one of the most effective players in the NCAA with 23.5 sacks in 26 games (2 seasons). He also had a pass rush win rate of 26%. He will enter the NFL in a Colts defensive line room in serious need of an X-factor. Kwity Paye is a good player, but Latu has all the production to be that next big threat for the Colts alongside elite veteran Deforest Buckner.
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