This fourth round is where I feel Chris Ballard will get us a steal. Hopefully, we trade back in round two and obtain an extra pick in Ballard’s money round. After running multiple mocks on different sites, I’ve seen a good group of players I feel the Colts should target. A couple of players I left off the list but should be looked at and noticed by colts nation are Bryan Cook, S, from Cincinnati and DeAngelo Malone, EDGE, from Western Kentucky. But the five players I listed below are the ones I feel most comfortable with the Colts targeting in round 4.
Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
It’s no secret the Colts lack depth at the corner position. The loss of Rock Ya-Sin created a significant hole on the outside for the Colts’ secondary. The secondary wasn’t addressed in the early stages of free agency. While there are good corners available in the free-agent pool, I still would expect the Colts to target a corner in the draft. One of my favorite corners in this draft is Coby Bryant from Cincinnati. At 6’1, Bryant has the ideal size for an outside corner in the NFL. Bryant brings a ton of experience to the field as a four-year starter at Cincinnati. Chris Ballard loves to draft a former team captain, which Bryant was in 2021. Also, in 2021 Bryant was awarded the Jim Thorpe Award. Meaning, in 2021, he was the nation’s top corner. In 2021, he played across from first-round pick Sauce Gardner, and Bryant was awarded the nation’s top corner. Bryant didn’t run well at the combine, which ultimately made him fall down the draft boards. When you watch the tape of Bryant, the one thing to me that stands out is his footwork. Bryant has quick feet, and it stands out on tape.
Matthew Butler, DL, Tennessee
If there was a player in this entire draft class that screamed, “I’m a Chris Ballard guy,” it’s Matthew Butler. Butler put a clinic at the senior bowl in Mobile. Butler displayed his quickness, athleticism, and his high motor. Coaches at Tennessee have dubbed Butler as “one of the smartest players they’ve coached” if that doesn’t scream Ballard, I’m not sure what will. Butler plays with good pad level. Butler is quick off the snap like a good lineman should be. Butler is quick off the ball; he’s also got tremendous hand placement and uses his hands at an elite level. I believe Butler can be a rotational player as of day 1 for the Colts. Butler showed constant improvement each year at Tennessee, which shows he’s a true student of the game.
Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
As mentioned earlier, the Colts lack depth in the secondary. Specifically, I believe the cornerback position must be addressed in the draft. (Or sign Stephon Gilmore.) Jobe has the ideal size you want from an outside corner. While Jobe didn’t have the greatest final season at Alabama, we can’t throw away the seasons prior just because his senior year was underwhelming. Jobe is a physical corner which I like personally. Jobe has the ideal size and uses his size to his advantage on the field. I’ve seen multiple people calling for a move to safety, but I don’t think that’s the right move. Jobe, however, could make that move and succeed at that position.
Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
This one, I won’t lie; it scares me. I have a fear of Ohio State players and the Colts. I’m not sure what it is, but some sort of curse is out onto the Colts when it comes to Ohio State prospects. However, I’m pretty high on Ruckert. Ruckert has potential, and that’s what he would be drafted for. I believe Ruckert is teachable, which is a great trait to have. He’s a willing blocker, which is a necessary trait to have as a TE. Generally, most tight ends struggle in their first year, so being able to block will help get him on the field. Don’t let the production deter you from wanting to draft him. Let’s not forget that Ruckert shared the field with projected first-round picks, Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, so it’s no shock that his stats do not match some of the other top tight ends in the draft class.
Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA
I saved the best for last again. Kyle Philips is that guy. Four years from now, people will wonder why Philips was drafted so late. Kyle Philips is one of my favorite players in this entire draft class. I’m very high on this slot receiver. He’s a true slot guy, which in my opinion, the Colts lack. Philips does it all on the field. For a slot receiver, Philips is one of the best blockers in this class. Zach Pascal has been vital in the run game for the Colts for so long. Losing Pascal is a bigger loss for the Colts than most people realize. While his stats were never the best, he was an essential piece to the offense. I believe that Philips can fill Pascal’s role as a blocker with ease. It’s no secret that wide receiver is a massive need for the Colts. When you put the tape on for Philips, you’ll see a talented receiver in the slot.
