After getting a full season from the 2019 draft class, the Indianapolis Colts have a better idea of how to go about their additions this offseason.
While still growing and developing as players, there were a few bright spots from the most recent draft class for the Colts. From a trio of defenders earning prominent roles to some flashes shown throughout the season, there was more good than bad for the 2019 draft class.
After one season under their belt, that group was graded as such. They received a “B” grade from Nick Shook of NFL.com, which was the third-highest in the division.
One year after assembling the top rookie class in the entire league — according to many, including my fine NFL.com ranking brethren — Colts GM Chris Ballard’s selections were more hit-or-miss. On the plus side, Okereke looks like a third-round steal. Joining a stout linebacker corps that already included Darius Leonard and Anthony Walker, the rookie only received a half portion of snaps, but the dynamic athlete made the most of them, particularly with his excellent work in pass defense. Given the vastly increased coverage demands of modern linebacking, don’t be surprised if Okereke takes a greater share of Walker’s snaps going forward. Leonard and Okereke could become a dominant second-level duo in today’s pass-happy game. This rookie class also upgraded the third level of Indy’s D, with Ya-Sin and Willis each assuming prominent roles in Year 1. Ya-Sin was touted as a highly competitive and physical corner coming out of Temple, and that’s exactly what he was — sometimes to a fault, as evidenced by a few flag-flooded games. But he improved over the course of the season, and the outlook’s bright entering 2020. Meanwhile, the only thing that limited Willis’ highly encouraging rookie season was a spate of injuries. As an enforcer safety, he nicely complements ballhawking center fielder Malik Hooker. And one more positive development: McLaughlin could be the successor to Adam Vinatieri. On the downside, it appears Indianapolis chose the wrong Buckeye burner at No. 59 overall. Yeah, Campbell deserves the opportunity to kick the injury bug and show what he can do going forward, but his former Ohio State teammate, Terry McLaurin, immediately displayed WR1 stuff despite playing in an impotent Redskins offense. Banogu had a chance to make an impact after Kemoko Turay suffered a season-ending injury in Week 5, but the TCU product couldn’t supply the consistent edge pressure Indy desperately needed.
Combine/free agency focus: Ballard clearly has a wandering eye when it comes to the game’s most important position. Upon completion of the 7-9 campaign, the general manager wasted no time in publicly stating that “the jury’s still out” on quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Such talk makes it seem quite likely that the Colts will look to add some fresh blood to the QB room this offseason. Will Indy pounce on a signal-caller in the 2020 draft? With the team holding the 13th, 34th and 44th overall picks in April, Colts fans should keep an eye on the second- (Oregon’s Justin Herbert, Utah State’s Jordan Love) and third-tier quarterbacks (Washington’s Jacob Eason, Georgia’s Jake Fromm) who hit Lucas Oil Stadium for the NFL Scouting Combine. Given that the Colts have close to the most cap space in the NFL, according to Over The Cap, Indianapolis could also explore what could be a decorated group of free-agent QBs. Philip Rivers’ name has predictably cropped up, given the 38-year-old’s previous experience working with Colts head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni in San Diego. Whoever’s at QB for this team in 2020 could have a gaping hole in the protection, as Anthony Castonzo’s contract is up and the stalwart left tackle is considering retirement.
Shook also gave the Colts a nod for signing rookie kicker Chase McLaughlin late in the season. He has a chance to be the first one to replace the Hall of Fame shoes of Adam Vinatieri.
In the division, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans both received A- grades while the Houston Texans received a B- grade.