Biggest Reach | Julian Blackmon | S | 3.85
This has less to do with Blackmon as a player and more to do with the fact that he’s still in the middle of his ACL rehab after tearing the ligament in December. Before that, Blackmon’s draft stock was relatively high—higher than the third round most likely. But after tearing his ACL at the end of the season, his draft stock plummeted.
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While we won’t know for sure, the Colts may have been able to get Blackmon at a better price than the third round. Because he likely won’t be able to suit up until the season is already in full swing, teams may have let him slide to the middle of Day 3. Again, we don’t know for sure, but it’s entirely possible.
With all that said, the Colts aren’t worried about that. They have two starters at safety in Malik Hooker and Khari Willis with some depth in George Odum. Even the Colts told him that they didn’t care about paying up for the Utah product when they drafted him.
“Honestly, I had a lot of contact with the coaches, yes sir. They told me, ‘Hey, don’t be surprised if we pick you earlier than what people expect. We don’t care that you’re hurt,'” said Blackmon after he got drafted. “And here I am a Colt.”
Looking past the injury, Blackmon is a talented prospect with a lot of upside. He is extremely versatile having the ability to play both cornerback and safety. He can play in the slot and has shown athleticism and range on the field. Even though it is a bit of a reach, he can still have an impact in Year 1, even in a depth role.
Blackmon has upside and him being labeled as a reach isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But given that he won’t see the field by September or even October means the Colts may have been able to get him at a later price.