After trading back with the Lions to No. 85, the Indianapolis Colts selected Utah safety Julian Blackmon in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft.
[lawrence-related id=43164]
It was expected that the Colts would be adding safety help to the room during the draft. Though there is a solid duo in Malik Hooker and Khari Willis leading the room, the Colts need more depth alongside George Odum.
With hesitancy in exercising Hooker’s fifth-year option for 2021—more information on that after the draft—the Colts needed to start looking for depth and a potential successor in the defensive backfield. Blackmon is a bit raw, but he has upside and versatility while bringing physicality and intelligence to the defense.
Here’s is the scouting report from Patrick Conn of Draft Wire on Blackmon as a prospect:
“Blackmon is a versatile safety prospect with starting cornerback experience during his time at Utah. He is a hard hitting safety with some ball hawking skills. A three-year starter for the Utes, will likely compete for a starting role or a big rotational piece.”
Blackmon spent time working as a cornerback early in his career at Utah but became a full-time starter at safety during the 2019 season. He showed flashes of natural range and even some ball skills with eight passes defended and four interceptions.
One thing to certainly monitor with Blackmon is his left knee. He suffered a torn ACL during he PAC-12 Championship game in December. It kept him from working out at the combine and will be something to monitor during the offseason.
The Colts also fell in love with Blackmon’s character. Widely regarded as a prospect with high character, that’s extremely important when it comes to draft picks for Chris Ballard.
This pick is more of a wait-and-see given the current makeup of the safety room and the injury he is dealing with, but there is upside with Blackmon if he can develop.