NFL Draft Grades - Indianapolis Colts
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Indianapolis Colts Upcoming 2023 Draft Picks (9)
Grade: A-
Many had Will Levis mocked to the Colts, but Charlie Campbell reported that Indianapolis wasn't really interested. Anthony Richardson is a better fit for the Colts' offense. He also has a higher floor because of his Justin Fields-type rushing ability. The Colts had to draft a franchise quarterback, and Richardson is a far superior choice compared to Levis.
Grade: A
The Raiders lost their top two tight ends from last year, including Darren Waller, who was traded to the Giants. They had a huge void at the position, but that's no longer the case. Michael Mayer is a steal here, as he could have gone in the late teens or early 20s without any complaints.
Grade: A
The Colts lost Parris Campbell, so it makes sense that they'd go after a slot receiver. He's a talented player who easily could have gone off the board a round earlier than this. I'm a big fan of this selection.
Grade: A
The Colts' offensive line is not what it once was. Their blocking was poor at times last year, so offensive line help was needed with Anthony Richardson now under center. Blake Freeland is a very athletic tackle with tons of upside. He could have easily gone a round earlier than this.
Grade: A+
I love this pick. The Colts really needed another cornerback, and Darius Rush provides great value as a prospect I had in my third round. He's a big and fast cornerback with plenty of potential.
Grade: C
It makes sense that the Colts would add a tight end to provide competition at the position. Will Mallory is a gifted athlete, but disappointed during his time in Miami. Perhaps the Colts can coach him up
Grade: B-
I don't think the Colts really needed another running back, but Evan Hull is a solid prospect at this spot of the draft. He's a tough runner who will give maximum effort. Perhaps he'll be able to emerge as a No. 2 back one day.
Grade: A+
Jaylon Jones is an instinctive cornerback with good speed and athleticism. He also provides major value for a Colts team that really needed cornerback help. I had Jones in the third round, so I love this value.
Grade: B
Jake Witt was drawing some late interest as a final-round pick, so I'm not surprised to see him be drafted at this spot. Jake Witt is a lengthy and athletic lineman, but needs to get much stronger for the pros.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 6/6/2023 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
At this rate, it's fair to wonder if Texans general manager Nick Caserio is a sleeper agent working for the Colts. The Texans won a meaningless game late in the year versus Indianapolis, which hurt their draft choice and moved up the Colts in the order. Now, Caserio will allegedly be passing on C.J. Stroud, which will allow a franchise quarterback to fall into the Colts' lap if there is no trade at No. 3. I hope Jim Irsay is paying Caserio well!
However, in this update, the Titans have moved ahead of the Colts, so perhaps Caserio has been working for the Titans this entire time. What a twist! If Stroud is off the board, the Colts will likely select one of the other quarterbacks. Many believe it'll be Will Levis, but I think Anthony Richardson makes more sense.
Richardson is raw, but has a huge arm and great athleticism. He had a great 2022 debut, but struggled versus Kentucky the following week. He was inconsistent after that, but he looked great at the combine.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. C.J. Stroud/Will Levis, QB - Both of the other quarterbacks are in play here as well.
2. Will Anderson, DE - If the quarterback the Colts want is off the board, they could target the best defensive player in this class.
Round: 2
Indianapolis Colts: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The Colts lost Stephon Gilmore in a trade with the Cowboys this offseason. They'll be looking to find a replacement early in the 2023 NFL Draft. They also need safety help, so they figure to draft some sort of defensive back on Day 2.
A huge cornerback with lots of upside, Kelee Ringo performed well in place of Tyson Campbell. He could drum up some interest late in the first round.
Round: 3
Indianapolis Colts: Emil Ekiyor Jr., G/C, Alabama
Indianapolis' offensive line isn't what it used to be. The Colts could stand to find an upgrade for their new quarterback.
Emil Ekiyor can play guard and center.
Round: 4
Indianapolis Colts: Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
The Colts have to improve their pass rush to have a chance against an improving Trevor Lawrence.
Isaiah Foskey had a huge 11-sack campaign. He possesses great potential.
Round: 5
Indianapolis Colts: Charlie Thomas, OLB, Georgia Tech
The Colts lost Bobby Okereke, so they'll need to find some more linebacker depth.
Charlie Thomas is undersized for the NFL. He may have to move to safety.
Round: 5
Indianapolis Colts: McClendon Curtis, G, Chattanooga
Indianapolis' offensive line isn't what it once was, so some help is needed in that area.
McClendon Curtis is a massive lineman capable of playing tackle and guard.
Round: 5
Indianapolis Colts: T.J. Luther, WR, Gardner-Webb
The Colts could stand to add a receiver after losing Parris Campbell.
Round: 7
Indianapolis Colts: Caleb Sampson, DT, Kansas
The Colts need to pressure Trevor Lawrence in between the tackles if they want to beat him in the near future.
Round: 7
Indianapolis Colts: Mark Milton, CB, Baylor
Cornerback is rather thin for the Colts, so multiple picks can be used on the position.
Past Grades and Selections
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
A- Many had Will Levis mocked to the Colts, but Charlie Campbell reported that Indianapolis wasn't really interested. Anthony Richardson is a better fit for the Colts' offense. He also has a higher floor because of his Justin Fields-type rushing ability. The Colts had to draft a franchise quarterback, and Richardson is a far superior choice compared to Levis.
A The Raiders lost their top two tight ends from last year, including Darren Waller, who was traded to the Giants. They had a huge void at the position, but that's no longer the case. Michael Mayer is a steal here, as he could have gone in the late teens or early 20s without any complaints.
A The Colts lost Parris Campbell, so it makes sense that they'd go after a slot receiver. He's a talented player who easily could have gone off the board a round earlier than this. I'm a big fan of this selection.
A The Colts' offensive line is not what it once was. Their blocking was poor at times last year, so offensive line help was needed with Anthony Richardson now under center. Blake Freeland is a very athletic tackle with tons of upside. He could have easily gone a round earlier than this.
A+ I love this pick. The Colts really needed another cornerback, and Darius Rush provides great value as a prospect I had in my third round. He's a big and fast cornerback with plenty of potential.
C It makes sense that the Colts would add a tight end to provide competition at the position. Will Mallory is a gifted athlete, but disappointed during his time in Miami. Perhaps the Colts can coach him up
B- I don't think the Colts really needed another running back, but Evan Hull is a solid prospect at this spot of the draft. He's a tough runner who will give maximum effort. Perhaps he'll be able to emerge as a No. 2 back one day.
A+ Jaylon Jones is an instinctive cornerback with good speed and athleticism. He also provides major value for a Colts team that really needed cornerback help. I had Jones in the third round, so I love this value.
B Jake Witt was drawing some late interest as a final-round pick, so I'm not surprised to see him be drafted at this spot. Jake Witt is a lengthy and athletic lineman, but needs to get much stronger for the pros.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
A- Grade
Alec Pierce fits what the Colts look for in receivers, as far as height and athleticism is concerned. This pick is no surprise, given that T.Y. Hilton is on his way out. Pierce is a solid value here, as he easily could've gone a bit earlier than this.
B+ Grade
Another weapon for Matt Ryan certainly makes sense, especially after the Colts lost Jack Doyle to retirement this offseason. Jelani Woods is a raw, one-year wonder, but he's unbelievably athletic and has the potential to turn into a star. He also has a low floor, but teams need to take risks to win Super Bowls. I like this pick.
A Grade
Bernhard Raimann has upside, but his arm length could be a problem. It's why he fell to the third round, but the Colts were correct in obtaining him at this juncture. Eric Fisher is gone, so the Colts needed to do something to address this area. I had the Colts picking Raimann at No. 42, so I love this value!
C Grade
I like Nick Cross just fine as a third-round prospect, but I don't know why the Colts had to give up a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Cross is very athletic and possesses huge upside, but the Colts should have been more patient.
B+ Grade
The Colts had a horrible pass rush last year, so they had to find help in that regard. Eric Johnson is a solid player with nice size and length whom I frequently mocked in this range, so I like Indianapolis' decision to take him.
A- Grade
The Lions know they need as many pass rushers as possible to consistently beat Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins. James Houston is a quality edge rusher I mocked in the fifth round, so I like this value Detroit is getting toward the end of the sixth frame.
B Grade
I just missed on Christian Holmes, mocking him 239th instead of 240th! Darn it, my mock is ruined! At any rate, Christian Holmes is a tall corner, so there's that. Cornerback is a huge need, so perhaps Holmes will have a chance to make the final roster.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
B Grade
The Colts lost a couple of defensive linemen in free agency this offseason, so it makes sense that they would select Kwity Paye. They're really swinging for the fences with this selection. Paye has incredible talent and pass-rushing upside, but he's very raw and inexperienced. He has high bust potential, but there's also extreme upside with him.
C- Grade
The Colts are ready to win this year, so why did they draft a player who will have to redshirt in 2021? Dayo Odeyingbo is a very talented defensive tackle, but he tore his Achilles in late January. This selection will pay off in the long term, but it goes against Indianapolis' plan right now.
D Grade
The Colts like to run multi-tight end formations, so it makes sense that they would target the position despite already having some talent there. Granson has some athletic potential, but I didn't have him in my final mock draft, so I'm not a huge fan of this pick.
B+ Grade
The Colts had a need at safety, so it's about time that they addressed it. Shawn Davis was projected in the fourth round of some of my draft updates, so I like the value. We didn't have all the numbers as far as Davis' measureables are concerned, but he stood out in the Senior Bowl.
B+ Grade
Landon Young appeared in the final couple of rounds in some mock updates. He's an athletic offensive lineman, but isn't very lengthy, so there's a chance he'll have to move to guard. This is fine, as the Saints needed some help at that position.