“He continues to build on what he already has.” Former Colts all-time pass-rushing great Dwight Freeney said this about the 15th overall pick, Laiatu Latu this July. Now after praising his personality and skills about a month ago, Freeney brought this topic up again– this time comparing him to the Bosa brothers and his presence in the team.

In a recent episode of Up & Adams on August 29, 2024, Dwight Freeney joined the host Kay Adams to share his opinion on the rookie edge rusher. When the host asked if Freeney talked to Laiatu Latu, or wanted to give him any advice ahead of the Week 1 faceoff against CJ Stroud-led Texans, the former professional expressed, “I think he’s a young guy and you see young guys, they they don’t work moves a lot, but a lot of times there’s an athleticism and they’re strength to make moves.”

For Latu, Freeney believes, “He’s a guy who works blues and which is very impressive. Kind of like the Bosa kids. How when they come out, they move. That’s why they’re so good. Now, I think he’s gonna be a great addition to what’s happening. It’s going to be the next factor.”

Not only this, earlier in a July interview on NFL Network’s The Insiders, Freeney mentioned the same lines about Latu. He highlighted, “He’s not the fastest guy, but he does perform moves. So when I sit there and watch him, and I watch tape on him, I see him effectively using his hands. Using his leverage.” To back up this statement, we will look at the first game against the Bengals this preseason which resulted in a third sack down. In a matter of plays, Latu recorded his first sack effectively, working his way around OT Cody Ford.

Now, ahead of the Sunday, September 8, Week 1 game at Lucas Oil Stadium, it is understandable why Freeney believes that Laiatu Latu has great athleticism. The compliment that he moves through the drills just like the Bosa brothers – Joey & Nick Bosa adds to his commitment to his role. In addition to that, this comparison came because Freeney thinks just like Nick and Joey, Latu too has similar mobility, speed, and the ability to sack the quarterbacks. But how?

Well, Freeney’s statements are evident when we see the stats of these NFL players in terms of their speed. Nick Bosa ran an unofficial 4.79 in a 40-yard dash at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, on the other hand, his brother, Joey Bosa, took an official time of 4.86 in the 40-yard dash. Now, comparing the two with Latu, the rookie player also clocked a 4.64 in a 40-yard dash, which is close to the Bosa brothers.

As the Colts’ young edge rusher, Laiatu Latu is going to face off against CJ Stroud and the team in Week 1, he is expected to execute a similar stance on the field, helping Indianapolis to win the matchup. Meanwhile, besides the Colts’ legend, Latu’s teammate too, believes that he gives the same vibe as Nick Bosa.

Laiatu Latu shares the same Nick Bosa vibes, says former 49ers player

Although it has been over four years since DeForest Buckner was traded to the Colts from the 49ers, the All-Pro defensive tackle still remembers his former teammates, especially Nick Bosa. While talking to Kay Adams in her show this August, he admitted that his new teammate, Laiatu Latu, gives the same vibe as Bosa does in San Francisco.

Expressing his déjà vu moment, Buckner said, “… When I was with Nick, him coming in his rookie year, him coming in just going through drills, seeing him in team [meetings], I was very encouraged seeing him, and I knew he was going to make a big difference for us moving forward. And Laiatu gives me the same vibes, I’m not going to lie….Laiatu definitely has all of the characteristics, all the potential in his game and just the man that he is. He definitely has what it takes.”

However, he also mentioned that he knows Latu has still a bigger shoe to fill in, his hand techniques and ability to win in different ways are impressive. Not only that, supporting his statements, Buckner even recalled a specific play against the Broncos.

During that preseason game, Latu, seemingly out of the rush, managed to slip past the offensive tackle, leading to an interception by Kenny Moore. Hence, the 30-year-old hints that Latu could become as impactful as Bosa, seeing shades of that same dominance in his game. So, will Laiatu Latu become Nick Bosa 2.0 in the future? What do you think?