The Indianapolis Colts stayed put at pick 85 in the third round and selected the versatile safety out of Utah in Julian Blackmon.
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Pre-draft, there were rumors that the Colts had Malik Hooker in trade talks and while they haven’t picked up Hookers’ fifth-year option on his rookie deal, they still felt a need at safety and went with Blackmon.
The selection of Blackmon is a good one. He might not be the Day 1 starter, but that’s not what they’re drafting in the third round. In the third round, they’re drafting guys who can be rotational pieces and quality depth for the roster that can also play special teams with the upside to develop into a starter.
Looking at Blackmon the player, he’s a converted cornerback that can play man coverage in the slot and handle tight ends. He has terrific range and is a candidate for one-high looks in addition to split zones.
Overall, he has good size and speed for the position. While there are some lapses, his ball production and ball skills are mostly strengths. Good awareness in zone coverage and generally plays a physical brand of football and will fly downhill from 15 yards off the ball and show up to the party.
Some negatives on Blackmon are, his field recognition and angles to the football are still behind from his new position, but he should keep getting better. His December knee injury pushed him down the draft board, but he has the traits and talent to make it in the league and should be a solid starter down the road.
For it being a third-round pick it’s a good selection. Getting safety depth, and possibly a new starter past 2020 was a clear need for the Colts, and they were able to land a guy in Blackmon who could’ve been a second-round guy in the third round.
Sam Sinclair Grade: B-
Kevin Hickey Grade: C+