Every year, draft classes are highlighted by the big names at the top. But there always seem to be some surprise gems found later in the draft that garner more attention as the years go on. Do the Indianapolis Colts have a player like that?
While wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and running back Jonathan Taylor will headline the Colts’ draft class in 2020, there are still seven other names that could find a way to break through.
As Bleacher Report predicts each team’s surprise rookie gem, it came down to safety Julian Blackmon for the Colts.
The Indianapolis Colts remain unsettled at safety because of Malik Hooker’s uncertain standing with the organization and Khari Willis likely getting pushed into a full-time starting role.
General manager Chris Ballard hedged his bet by selecting Utah’s Julian Blackmon with the 85th overall pick. He would have been drafted much earlier if he hadn’t suffered a torn ACL during the Pac-12 Championship Game. He may not be ready for the start of the regular season, but the defensive back fits nicely into the Colts’ plans.
The 2018 second-team all-conference selection is a converted corner with excellent ball skills. As such, Indianapolis expects to use him all over the field even if he doesn’t eventually claim a starting spot.
“He can play on a tight end, he can potentially play on a bigger type receiver, he can play in the deep part of the field and he can drop down into the box and play the run,” defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus told reporters.
Blackmon is an intriguing rookie for the Colts even though he won’t make an impact on the field until October at the earliest. Working through his rehab program after having surgery to repair a torn ACL in December will keep him off the field for the early parts of his rookie season.
But the Colts see Blackmon as a game-changing talent. His fluid movement skills and ability to make plays on the ball will make his transition smoother. Once he continues to develop his instincts and progress in his tracking abilities, he will be a big part of the secondary.
It will be interesting to see how the Blackmon pick pans out, but there are high hopes for the Utah product once he gets back on the field.