Indianapolis – The Indianapolis Colts today signed five of their draft picks from the 2024 NFL Draft, including defensive end Laiatu Latu, linebacker Jaylon Carlies, cornerback Jaylin Simpson, cornerback Micah Abraham and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu.
Latu, 6-5, 259 pounds, was selected by Indianapolis in the first round (15th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. He played in 37 career games (12 starts) at UCLA (2022-23) and Washington (2019-21) and totaled 101 tackles (62 solo), 35.5 tackles for loss, 24.0 sacks, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, six passes defensed and two interceptions. In 2023, Latu started all 12 games and collected 49 tackles (28 solo), 21.5 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, four passes defensed and two interceptions. He led the nation in tackles for loss per game (1.8) and ranked fourth nationally in sacks per game (1.08). Latu garnered numerous honors in 2023, and won the Lombardi Award, Ted Hendricks Award winner and the Polynesian Award winner. He was a finalist for the Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. His name is pronounced lie‐AW‐too LAW‐too.
Carlies, 6-3, 227 pounds, was selected by Indianapolis in the fifth round (151st overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. He appeared in 48 career games (40 starts) at Missouri (2020-23) and totaled 221 tackles (159 solo), 11.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 17 passes defensed, nine interceptions, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In 2023, Carlies started all 12 games he played in and compiled 64 tackles (38 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, six passes defensed, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. His last name is pronounced KARR-lyze.
Simpson, 6-0, 179 pounds, was selected by the Colts in the fifth round (164th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. He played in 47 career games (23 starts) at Auburn (2019-23) and totaled 116 tackles (89 solo), 4.0 tackles for loss, 21 passes defensed and seven interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). In 2023, Simpson saw action in 12 games (11 starts) and finished with 39 tackles (29 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, seven passes defensed, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and one fumble recovery. He garnered Second Team All-SEC honors.
Abraham, 5-10, 185 pounds, was selected by Indianapolis in the sixth round (201st overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. He saw action in 62 career games (46 starts) at Marshall (2019-23) and totaled 150 tackles (97 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, 55 passes defensed, 12 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one blocked field goal. In 2023, Abraham started all 13 games he saw action in and recorded 36 tackles (22 solo), 19 passes defensed, four interceptions and one blocked field goal. He led the conference in interceptions and passes defensed. Abraham was a two-time First Team All-Sun Belt Conference selection (2022-23). He earned Second Team All-Conference USA accolades in 2021.
Laulu, 6-5, 292 pounds, was selected by the Colts in the seventh round (234th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. He appeared in 66 career games (24 starts) at Oklahoma (2022-23) and Hawaii (2018-21) and totaled 102 tackles (52 solo), 27.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, three passes defensed, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. In 2023, Laulu played in all 13 games (three starts) and registered 11 tackles (four solo), 3.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack. He was an Academic All-Big 12 honoree. Laulu garnered All-Mountain West honorable mention recognition in 2021. His last name is pronounced lah-OO-loo.