Category: Latest Colts News

Run on offensive players results in top defenders falling to Colts

A run on offensive players early on in the NFL draft resulted in the top defenders in this year’s class falling to the Colts.

A run on quarterbacks, offensive tackles, the top three receivers, and Brock Bowers at the top of the NFL draft resulted in a very favorable board for the Indianapolis Colts.

Before the Colts were on the clock at pick 15, six quarterbacks were selected. As expected, receivers Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze were off the board as well. Also taken were offensive tackles JC Latham and Olu Fashanu, along with top tight end Bowers.

So, for the Colts, this pushed down the top defenders in the draft class. In fact, they were the first team to select a defensive player.

This run on offensive players early on was not unexpected. As GM Chris Ballard mentioned in his pre-draft press conference, there was a lot more talent on that side of the ball in this year’s draft class.

“I will say this,” said Ballard, “I do think you’re going to see a lot of offensive players taken early in the first round. I’m not saying it’s a weak defensive class, but it is a really strong offensive draft, especially at the top of it.”

This really was a near picture-perfect scenario for the Colts, with edge rusher and cornerback being two of their biggest needs. And to land a top prospect, it did not require them to trade up–something that had been speculated on earlier in the week.

Instead, the Colts were able to choose from cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold, along with edge rushers Dallas Turner and Laiatu Latu.

The Colts ultimately went with Latu, who will bolster a pass rush unit that has to be more consistent in 2024 after ranking 23rd in pressures last season. Latu has been one of the most productive pass rushers in college football for the last two seasons.

BREAKING: Colts select top edge rusher Laiatu Latu at 15th overall

The pick is in and the Indianapolis Colts select edge rusher Laiatu Latu at 15th overall. Here is what you need to know about the selection.

The pick is in, and the Indianapolis Colts select edge rusher Laiatu Latu from UCLA at 15th overall. Here is what you need to know about the selection:

Height: 6-5

Weight: 258

RAS: 9.37

Stats to know: From a pure pass rush standpoint, Latu was considered by many to be the top edge rusher in this class, but injury concerns led to some unknowns about where he would be taken. Latu has been dominant for two seasons, totaling 62 pressures and 12 sacks in 2022 and then 62 pressures and 15 sacks this past year. Among all edge rushers in 2023, he ranked first in PFF’s pass rush grade and first in pass rush win rate. He also graded out among the best as a run defender.

Positional need: Edge rusher was one of the Colts’ bigger needs. While they ranked fifth in sacks last season, they also ranked 23rd in pressures. More consistency is needed if they hope to be as productive again in 2024. On top of that, Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo are both set to be free agents in 2025.

Daniel Jeremiah draft profile: “Latu has ideal size, quickness and instincts for the position. As a pass rusher, he can win with his quick get-off or a variety of hand moves. He has an excellent feel for when offensive tackles overset or underset and adjusts accordingly. He doesn’t have elite speed or power, but he wins with technique, bend and savvy. He can corner well at the top of his rush and is an outstanding finisher. Against the run, he’s been inconsistent when it comes to setting the edge. He’s shown the ability to shoot his hands, leverage blockers and hold the point of attack. However, there are other times his pad level is too high and he gets controlled. His effort is outstanding to chase, against both run and pass. Latu did have serious medical issues while at the University of Washington. Overall, Latu is the most skilled pass rusher in this class and should have an immediate impact at the next level.”

What time will Colts make 15th pick in 2024 NFL Draft?

The Colts hold the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. So approximately what time will they make that selection?

The Indianapolis Colts hold the 15th overall selection in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Over the last two days, there has been speculation that the Colts could be looking to trade up, specifically for one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s draft. However, if they do end up staying put at pick 15, what time will the Colts make that selection?

With how the 2023 NFL Draft unfolded, the Colts could be making their selection around 10:00 PM ET. Last year, the NFL Draft X account announced the New York Jets’ selection of Iowa State edge rusher Will McDonald at 10:01 PM ET.

With their first selection, the Colts have a few directions that they could go. As already mentioned, cornerback is widely considered their biggest need. Last season, there was inconsistent play from an inexperienced group, which resulted in too many big plays given up and not enough plays on the football being made.

Wide receiver is another need for the Colts to address as they look to add more playmaking, and Georgia tight end Brock Bowers could help in that regard as well if he were to fall to pick 15.

Lastly, edge rusher could be on the Colts’ radar in Round 1 as well. Although they ranked fifth in sacks last season, they also ranked 23rd in pressures. If they hope to replicate last season’s sack performance, the Colts will need to get after the quarterback more regularly.

On top of that, Dayo Odeyingbo and Kwity Paye are both free agents in 2025–that is, if the Colts do not pick up Paye’s fifth-year option. Alabama’s Dallas Turner, Florida State’s Jared Verse, and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu are the top edge rushers in this class.

If the Colts do have their eyes on either Terrion Arnold or Quinyon Mitchell, the two top cornerbacks in this class, a very strong offensive draft class, could help push either of those players down to the Colts at 15th overall. And the fact that this is a very strong receiver class could have the Colts looking to address a different position early on, knowing they can find help at receiver on Day 2.

“I will say this,” said GM Chris Ballard at his pre-draft press conference, “I do think you’re going to see a lot of offensive players taken early in the first round. I’m not saying it’s a weak defensive class, but it is a really strong offensive draft, especially at the top of it.”

Linebacker Zaire Franklin will announce Colts Day 2 draft picks

Current linebacker Zaire Franklin will announce both of the Colts’ selections on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

On Day 2 of the NFL draft, the NFL will have Legends and active players announcing their teams’ selections. For the Colts, that player will be active linebacker Zaire Franklin.

For the complete list of current and former players who will be announcing picks, click here.

On Day 2 of the draft, the Colts have two selections–one in each round. Their second-round pick will be at 46th overall, and their third-round pick at 82nd overall.

Obviously, how they approach those selections from a positional standpoint will depend on what took place on Day 1, but as of now, some key positions of need for the Colts are cornerback, safety, receiver, and edge rusher.

Franklin was a seventh-round pick by the Colts back in 2018 out of Syracuse. He cut his chops in the NFL on special teams, playing nearly 1,400 career snaps between 2018 and 2021.

Beginning in 2022, Franklin took on a much larger role on the defensive side of the ball. During that two-year span, Franklin has totaled a whopping 334 tackles while forcing 11 pass breakups in coverage.

As a result, Franklin earned a three-year extension worth $31.26 million earlier this offseason that runs through the 2027 season.

The linebacker position could be a sneaky need for the Colts in this year’s draft. Behind Frankling and EJ Speed on the depth chart are some question marks, not to mention that Speed will be a free agent in 2025.

Colts pick OT in first-round of ‘Worst Mock Draft Ever’

In the ‘Worst Mock Draft Ever’ from Will Brinson of CBS Sports, he has the Colts spending their first round pick on an offensive tackle.

In a recent mock draft from Will Brinson of CBS Sports, rather than trying to predict who the Colts and every other team would pick or what need they should prioritize in the first round, he set out to do the opposite.

In the ‘Worst Mock Draft Ever,’ as Brinson titled it, it was his intention to “troll every single NFL fan base” with the worst possible pick for their team.

So, for the Colts, that meant taking an offensive tackle in the first round. At pick 15, Brinson had the Colts selecting JC Latham from Alabama.

Here is what Brinson had to say about the pick:

“Hey buddy that offensive line is getting older in Indy.”

In an extremely deep offensive tackle class, Latham is among the best. At right tackle for Alabama last season, he surrendered just two sacks and 14 pressures while also being one of PFF’s highest-graded run defenders.

The Colts, of course, have much more pressing needs than at tackle at cornerback, receiver, and edge rusher.

Tackle is a position group that the Colts have invested in during recent drafts, selecting Bernhard Raimann, Blake Freeland, and Jake Witt. They also have Braden Smith returning this season as well.

The Colts’ offensive line was one of the better units in football last season, ranking 11th in run-block win rate and sixth in pass-blocking efficiency–and they return their entire starting five.

But as we take a look ahead to 2025, there are some potential unknowns at one of the game’s most important positions. Smith will be entering the final year of his deal and comes with a cap hit of almost $20 million. The Colts still don’t know what they have in Freeland, who took his lumps as a rookie when called upon.

However, that doesn’t mean they are going to spend a first-round pick on the position, either. As already mentioned, this is a group that’s in good shape and it’s a very strong position group in this year’s class, with GM Chris Ballard believing that very good players can be found in the middle and even latter portions of the draft.

“I think there’s a few positions that’s got some real depth,” said Ballard Friday at his pre-draft press conference. “Like the O-line in this draft is excellent and there’s depth throughout. I truly believe you’re going to get a really good player in those mid-rounds and even some later because of the depth of the group.”

With only four true offensive tackles currently on the roster, this will be a position group that the Colts have to add to, even if it’s just purely for depth, as they’ll need more bodies to get through training camp and the preseason.

Colts trade up for dynamic TE in Field Yates’ final 2024 mock draft

In Field Yates’ final 2024 NFL mock draft, the Colts trade up for Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. Here is a breakdown of that selection.

In the last few days, there have been rumblings that the Colts are looking to trade up in the first round in an effort to land one of the top cornerbacks.

In Field Yates’ final mock draft, he does have the Colts trading up to pick No. 10 with the New York Jets, but they go in a different direction, selecting Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.

Here is what Yates had to say about the selection and his reasoning behind it:

“I’ve heard some buzz from people around the league that suggests Indy wants to continue to build its offense around quarterback Anthony Richardson, and Bowers could be an instant game-changer. He’d be a massive boost for Richardson, as his excellent route running and after-the-catch traits make him a real problem for defensive coordinators. I like having Bowers team up with Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Jonathan Taylor. And besides, Bowers is simply too good of a player to last much longer than this in the draft.”

Yates didn’t specify what the Colts would have to give up in order to make this trade. However, using the Rich Hill trade value chart, we can get an idea.

In order to match the value of pick 10, which is 369 points, the Colts would have to part with picks 15 (315) and 82 (54). This would leave them with only two picks in the top-100 and six selections in total.

“I think it would depend,” said GM Chris Ballard in his pre-draft press conference on trading up. “There would have to be someone within striking distance we felt was really unique and a difference-maker for us.”

As Ballard said, moving up would require a ‘difference-maker’ being on the board, and Bowers certainly fits that mold.

From Day 1, he would provide Anthony Richardson with another reliable presence in the passing game and that needed playmaking potential that the Colts offense is searching for. Last season, Bowers averaged 13.0 yards per catch and was very good at picking up YAC.

Having this type of playmaking potential from the tight end position, along with Bowers’ versatility to line up across the formation, will open up the playbook for Shane Steichen and not only create mismatches for Bowers to exploit, but for his teammates as well.

According to ESPN analytics, Bowers has a 75 percent chance of being available at pick 10 but a less than 10 percent chance of still being on the board at pick 15 if the Colts stay put.

Colts get Texas IDL Byron Murphy in Peter Schrager’s final 2024 mock draft

In Peter Schrager’s final 2024 mock draft, the Colts get Texas IDL Byron Murphy. Here is a breakdown of that pick.

With the 2024 NFL Draft almost here, we will be reviewing and breaking down the first-round predictions for the Indianapolis Colts in final 2024 mock drafts from a few of the most prominent analysts in the business:

Mock draft: Peter Schrager – NFL.com

Pick 15th overall: Byron Murphy, IDL, Texas

What Schrager had to say: “The Colts could trade down or up on Thursday night. In this scenario, I have them staying put and picking Murphy, a fast-rising DT, who could end up being selected even earlier than this.”

Colts Wire’s breakdown: A position of strength for the Colts gets even stronger with the addition of Murphy. From Day 1, Murphy is a three-down defender who can impact both the run and the passing games. He’s an excellent athlete and played out of both the A and B-gaps at Texas. Murphy led all interior defenders last season in pass-rush win rate and ranked 41st in run-stop rate.

Positional need: Well, there isn’t much of one. If the Colts were to take Murphy it’s all about taking the best avialble player on their board. This offseason, the Colts re-signed Grover Stewart to a three-year deal. They extended DeForest Buckner through 2026 and signed Raekwon Davis to a two-year deal. With that said, success for any defense starts with a quick push up the middle, and the Colts would have a top-end rotation.

Player Info

Height: 6-0
Weight: 297
Age: 21
40-yard dash: 4.87 seconds
Vertical leap: 33″
Broad jump: 9-03
Three-cone: 7.5 seconds
Short shuttle: 4.5 seconds
Bench press: 28
RAS: 9.20
Pre-draft visit: No
Senior Bowl: Yes

Consensus big board ranking: 13th

Daniel Jeremiah’s draft profile: “Murphy is a very explosive, nimble and instinctive defensive tackle. He is a dynamic disruptor against the pass game. He explodes out of his stance and can roll his hips on contact, creating instant push. He consistently gets underneath blockers and prevails in the leverage battle. He has quick hands to win with swipe moves, a push/pull maneuver or a violent club. Once he feels a blocker leaning left or right, he has elite change-of-direction quickness. Against the run, he can utilize his quickness to penetrate and create negative plays. He also has incredible balance to take on blocks while going to one knee before uncoiling and making plays. (I haven’t seen anyone else use this technique before, but it’s very effective.) He has plenty of range to make plays laterally. Overall, Murphy might lack ideal size, but he’s a leverage machine who makes an impact on all three downs.”

Colts get Washington WR Rome Odunze in Danny Kelly’s final 2024 mock draft

In Danny Kelly’s final mock draft for The Ringer, he has the Colts trading up to take WR Rome Odunze. Here is a breakdown of that pick.

With the 2024 NFL Draft almost here, we will be reviewing and breaking down the first-round predictions for the Indianapolis Colts in final 2024 mock drafts from a few of the most prominent analysts in the business:

Mock draft: Danny Kelly – The Ringer

Pick at 9th overall: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Trade Details: The Colts send the Bears the no. 15 pick and the no. 46 pick to move up to no. 9.

What Kelly had to say: “The Colts make an aggressive move here to give their young franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson a big-time playmaker in Odunze. The Washington star drops into an Indianapolis skill group that already includes receivers Michael Pittman and Josh Downs and running back Jonathan Taylor, giving Richardson an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the supporting cast around him.”

Colts Wire’s breakdown: This is a very deep wide receiver class overall, but don’t be mistaken; there is a dropoff in talent after the top three receivers in this class, one of which is Odunze, are off the board. He can be a go-to option, and he can win at all levels of the field and do so in a variety of ways. A receiver of Odunze’s caliber has gravity, creating opportunities for others.

Positional need: The Colts’ need for a receiver is two-fold. Priority No. 1 is that they need to add more playmaking around Anthony Richardson. While Michael Pittman and Josh Downs certainly provide a strong foundation at the position, both players averaged fewer than 12.0 yards per catch last season. On top of that, the overall depth of this unit could be improved as well in an effort to raise the floor. Right now, behind Pittman and Downs are several question marks.

Player Info

Height: 6-3
Weight: 212
Age: 21
40-yard dash: 4.45 seconds
Vertical leap: 39″
Broad jump: 10-04
Three-cone: 6.88 seconds
Short shuttle: 4.03 seconds
Bench press: N/A
RAS: 9.92
Pre-draft visit: No
Senior Bowl: No

Consensus big board ranking: 6th

Draft profile from Daniel Jeremiah: “Odunze is a big, athletic wideout with exceptional hands. He can play outside or in the slot. He is refined and polished in everything he does on the field. He uses a variety of releases at the line of scrimmage and is a clean route runner. He uses his strength to lean into defenders before separating out of the break point. He thrives in traffic, possessing the ability to pluck the football and absorb big shots over the middle of the field. He makes some incredible adjustments on poorly thrown balls. He tracks naturally over his shoulder. After the catch, he is very tough to bring down and has some nifty make-miss ability. He plays with a ton of passion and energy. Overall, Odunze is a complete player and reminds me of Larry Fitzgerald coming out of college.”

Colts get Texas WR Xavier Worthy in Matt Miller’s final 2024 mock draft

In Matt Miller’s final mock draft, the Colts land Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy at pick 15. Here is a breakdown of that selection.

With the 2024 NFL Draft almost here, we will be reviewing and breaking down the first-round predictions for the Indianapolis Colts in final 2024 mock drafts from a few of the most prominent analysts in the business:

Mock draft: Matt Miller – ESPN

Pick at 15th overall: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

What Miller had to say: “Here’s one where I’m going all-in on intel. The Colts have been linked to Worthy in numerous phone calls and texts over the past week, enough so that I’m buying it. The Colts do need speed at receiver, and Worthy has record-setting 4.21 wheels. Putting him in the mix with Michael Pittman Jr. and last year’s second-rounder Josh Downs makes for a sweet trio of pass-catchers around Anthony Richardson. Imagine Worthy matched with Richardson’s arm on vertical routes in Indy?”

Colts Wire’s breakdown: “Worthy’s 4.21 speed would certainly add that juice to the offense that Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen are looking for. Worthy’s vertical speed would add a new downfield presence, not to mention Steichen’s ability as a play designer and caller to get the ball in Worthy’s hands quickly and in space where he would have YAC opportunities. Having Worthy on the field could also cause some chaos pre-snap as a motion man.

Positional need: With Michael Pittman and Josh Downs, the Colts have a very solid foundation at receiver. But as we all know, they are on the search for more playmaking. Last season, both Pittman and Downs averaged fewer than 12.0 yards per catch. In Steichen’s offense, having a vertical presence is an important element, and Alec Pierce has been inconsistent up to this point in his career. Overall, this is a position group that could benefit from more depth, with some questions on the roster behind Pittman and Pierce.

Player Info

Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
Age: 20
40-yard dash: 4.21
Vertical leap: 41″
Broad jump: 10-11
Three-cone: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Bench press: N/A
RAS: 9.39
Pre-draft visit: Yes
Senior Bowl: No

Consensus big board ranking: 32nd

Draft Profile from Lance Zierlein: “Worthy’s draft slotting could come down to draft-room debates weighing his elite speed versus his thin frame. Worthy will find separation if allowed to explore vertically or across the hashes against man coverage, but he lacks play strength and release quickness to defeat a quality NFL press. His quick-strike potential adds an element of danger over the top and should open wider windows for teammates to work into. He lacks the physical tools to catch when contested and needs to prove he can hold up to a more physical brand of football. Worthy is a niche prospect for teams looking to add a legit field-stretcher, but areas of concern could create a wider gap between ceiling and floor.”

Colts get Georgia TE Brock Bowers in Daniel Jeremiah’s final 2024 mock draft

In Daniel Jeremiah’s final mock draft, he has the Colts taking Georgia tight end Brock Bowers at pick 15. Here is a breakdown of that selection.

With the 2024 NFL Draft almost here, we will be reviewing and breaking down the first-round predictions for the Indianapolis Colts in final 2024 mock drafts from a few of the most prominent analysts in the business:

Mock draft: Daniel Jeremiah – NFL.com

Pick at 15th overall: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

What Jeremiah had to say: “The Colts are another team that’s had talks about trading up. I won’t be shocked if they end up with Bowers. Keep an eye on Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell as another potential fit here.”

Colts Wire’s breakdown: The Colts want to add more playmaking around Anthony Richardson, and Bowers would certainly provide that from the tight end position. Immediately, he would be a reliable target for Richardson and someone who is really good with the ball in his hands. Having this type of playmaking ability at tight end, and someone who can be moved around the formation, can help open up the playbook for Shane Steichen and not only create mismatches for Bowers to exploit, but others as well.

Positional need: Tight end isn’t a big need. The addition of Bowers is more so about adding an offensive weapon to what the Colts already have–not them feeling urgency to address the tight end position. Now, with that said, they do need a larger presence in the passing game from this position group than what they had in 2023, and Mo Alie-Cox is in the last year of his deal, so someone will have to emerge to handle those blocking duties.

Player Info

Height: 6-3
Weight: 243
Age: 21
40-yard dash: N/A
Vertical leap: N/A
Broad jump: N/A
Three-cone: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Bench press: N/A
RAS: N/A
Pre-draft visit: No
Senior Bowl: No

Consensus big board ranking: 10th

Draft profile from Daniel Jeremiah: “Bowers is an undersized tight end with elite speed, strength and playmaking ability. He lined up all over the field at Georgia — in-line, on the wing, split out and even at running back. He is very sudden in his release, and he uses his upper-body strength to chuck defenders when pressed at the line of scrimmage. He catches a lot of quick-hitters in the flat and he’s a maniac on screens. He attacks the ball in the air and is quick to transition up the field. He has the speed to pull away, but his greatest asset is his tackle-breaking power. He runs through contact without gearing down. He is an effective run blocker when he can get his hands on opponents, but he will get pressed out by longer-armed edge rushers. Overall, Bowers reminds me a lot of George Kittle, and I see him having a similar impact in the NFL.”