As announced by Rashaad via Twitter on Wednesday, he and I will be representing The Blue Stable at The 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas from April 28th-April 30th.
Senior Bowl, Super Bowl, and now I’m excited to announce that I and @TheMasonRoach will be attending The NFL Draft on behalf of @TheBlue_Stable… Vegas what up?? #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2022
— The King Of Colts👑 (@ShaadMcGinnis) April 13, 2022
I feel it is only fair if I tell everyone a few prospects to keep an eye on in case they are drafted by the Colts on either day two or day three of the NFL Draft.
These four prospects are prospects that the Colts have a genuine interest in and may or may not be high on your mock draft boards.
- Issac Taylor-Stuart (USC, CB)/ 2. Chris Steele (USC, CB)
- This is a two for one special, as both Stuart and Steele confirmed with reporters at USC’s Pro Day; that the Colts have interest in each cornerback respectfully and have met with them throughout their draft processes. Taylor-Stuart is a 6’2″ 200-pound cornerback with tremendous speed and great athleticism. Stuart ran a blistering 4.42 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine and a 4.43 40 yard dash at USC’s Pro Day. Stuart also possesses a 36.5″ inch vertical jump a 77 1/4″ inch wingspan, nine-inch hands, and 31 7/8″ arms. Stuart out measures Steele in their respective body frames and presumably the more athletic corner. Stuart’s agility, speed, and prototypical size; make him a prime candidate for a 6th/early 7th round pick to be used on him. Stuart would be a developmental corner and add depth for a Colts’ secondary, which is filled with experienced veterans and leaders in the defensive back room. During his interview, Stuart-Taylor responded like a down-to-earth kid with a chip on his shoulder. He understood what he lacks in his game, and it is evident how much work he puts in every day. He loves football and is someone who does not get caught in the hype. He would blossom in the Colts’ locker room by learning from some of the hardest working men in football.
Here is some videos from USC’s Pro Day pic.twitter.com/9dfDRz6Q84
— The Blue Stable (@TheBlue_Stable) April 19, 2022
- While more of the interest is in Taylor-Stuart, Chris Steele is still on Colt’s radar in the back end of the draft, potentially during day three. Steele may be smaller than Stuart, but he works just as hard (maybe even harder). Steele comes in at 6’0″, 195 pounds, and 75 1/8′ wingspan (30 3/4′ arms) and is at a disadvantage in terms of athletic traits that the Colts and Chris Ballard look for. I’d argue Chris Steele has the work ethic, mental strength, and extreme football knowledge to overcome what he lacks athletically compared to his peers and become a starting cornerback in this league. During his interview at USC’s Pro Day, he told me one of his role models was Richard Sherman, and it stuck with me. Considering Sherman’s prowess, I consider him quite the player to model your game after. Steele is not projected to become a Richard Sherman type of corner, but if the Colts want another grinder in the building, this is the guy.
— The Blue Stable (@TheBlue_Stable) April 19, 2022
— The Blue Stable (@TheBlue_Stable) April 19, 2022
- Both Steele and Taylor-Stuart made a solid duo for USC’s secondary during their time as teammates; both players would fit what Ballard is looking for in a developmental/depth cornerback role.
3. Matthew Butler (University of Tennesse, DL)
- With the retirement of Robert Windsor and the departure of Taylor Stallworth, the Colts need interior defensive line depth behind Deforest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Matthew Butler played on the West team during the 2022 Shrine Bowl. With the Colts having staff members helping coach both the West and East teams, it is no question that the Colts have done their due diligence on Butler. The Colts also attended Butler’s Pro Day at the University of Tennesse and scouted his teammates, Alontae Taylor and Velus Jones Jr, as well. Butler possesses good size for an interior lineman, weighing 297 pounds and is 6’4″ inches tall. Butler has the ability to the lineup in multiple areas and still generate pressure. Butler had five sacks, three QB hits, and 23 QB hurries. Butler played in 13 games during his senior season, with around 60 percent of his snaps coming on passing downs and 40 percent of his snaps are running downs. His strengths lie in the passing game and getting to the quarterback, but Butler could steadily improve his run-stopping ability while playing under Buckner and Stewart. This is not a flashy pick, but it fills a definite need that will help this Colts team reach new heights. Depth in the trenches is what Chris Ballard loves, and it is what will make the difference in the long run.
4. Jeffrey Gunter (Edge, Coastal Carolina)
- Gunter is another intriguing prospect at a position where the Colts need depth. With the departure of Kemoko Turay heading to San Francisco, do not be surprised if Ballard drafts another edge rusher to go along with the youthful explosion of Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo coming forward. Gunter played on the East team during the 2022 Shrine Bowl. Gunter has a nearly identical size compared to Kwity Paye. As both players are about 6’4″ and weigh around 260 pounds. Even though Gunter played at a smaller school, he was the shining star of their front line on Coastal Carolina’s defense. In two seasons, Gunter recorded 14 sacks, 16 QB hits, and an astounding 45 QB hurries. Gunter ran a 4.7 40-yard dash with a 35.5′ inch vertical and ran a 4.35 cone drill. His insane athleticism with his relentless motor to get to the QB; would make him a perfect candidate to relieve Paye and Odeyingbo during games to help keep everyone fresh. As I stated before, Ballard loves depth in the trenches and can not get enough of it. Having Gunter learn under Yannick Ngakoue, Kwity Paye, and Dayo Odeyingbo; could create the Colts’ edge rush version of the “fearsome foursome” with the addition of Gunter.
The Colts will ultimately make the right choices in the draft, but do not be surprised if any of the aforementioned prospects get drafted by Indianapolis during days two and three of the NFL Draft.
