The Colts have a few holes to fill in the draft after failing to address both pass rush and the glaring hole at left tackle. It’ll be interesting to see how Chris Ballard and company approach this year’s draft. Also, note Chris Ballard lost a third-rounder in the Caron Wentz trade. It’ll be interesting if he trades back to make up for lost draft capital.
Round 1: TRADE
The Colts trade back with Green Bay Packers. The Colts receive pick 29 and 62 in exchange for pick 21 and 248. This would be an excellent move for the Colts, being that they gave up a 3rd this year for Carson Wentz.
Round 1 pick 29: Caleb Farley CB Virginia Tech
Farley is a unique prospect who’s falling down draft boards. Rhodes was brought back on a one-year deal which doesn’t show much commitment to the position, and a player like Farley fits the Ballard cornerback mold. Farley is falling boards because of health concerns, but he’s said multiples times NFL doctors confirmed he would be ready for the season. Small risk high reward situation for the Colts.
Round 2 Pick 54: Liam Eichenberg OT Notre Dame
Eichenberg is a solid prospect to fill the void left by Anthony Castanzo. At Notre Dame, Liam Eichenberg showed what he could be developed into. The tackle spot was not addressed in the offseason, and getting a guy like Eichenberg in round 2 would be incredible.
Round 2 pick 62: TRADE
I have the Colts moving back 2 spots with the Super Bowl champs. Colts receive 64th pick and a 2022 4th rounder in exchange for pick 62 and a 2022 6th rounder.
Round 2 pick 64: Quinn Meinerz G/C Wisconsin White Water
Meinerz, a small school guy with a lot to prove. Meinerz impressed at the senior bowl and has only driven his draft stock up since then. He’s got the flexibility to play all over the offensive line. I would imagine the Colts use Meinerz like they used Joe Haeg in the past. Adding Meinerz would add depth for this offensive line that lacked depth down the stretch.
Round 4 pick 127: Patrick Jones EDGE Pitt
Addressing the pass rush is a need for the Colts. Ballard has failed to address the pass rush this offseason and needs immediate focus in the draft. While the pass rush may not be the answer early, it does need to be addressed in the mid to later rounds. Jones has many traits that a good pass rusher has, such as good hands placement, good pad level, explosive, great bend. While Jones struggles to get off blocks, he’s got the traits to be successful.
Round 5 pick 165: TRADE
It should come as no surprise that the Colts would look to move back when they have a chance to obtain more draft capital. Chris Ballard “Loves them picks” Colts receive picks 171 and 210 in exchange for pick 165 and a 2022 7th rounder.
Round 5 pick 171: Demetric Felton UCLA RB/WR
The Colts resigned TY Hilton in the offseason; even with that signing, they still need help on the offensive side of the ball. Campbell can’t seem to stay healthy, and the Colts are one injury away from calling Inman back. Felton is a gadget guy. He’s a do-everything guy that the Colts would benefit from getting. Line him up in the backfield. He has excellent yards after catch ability. Inside as the slot or even at times throw him on the outside. Everyone is calling him a running back with the pass-catching ability; I’m calling him a weapon.
Round 6 pick 206: Chris Rumph II EDGE Duke
Another edge here for the Colts. Rumph has a lot of talent. He lacks size and a first step to be picked in the earlier rounds. Rumph is an excellent fit for the Colts. He can stand up outside and create a good pass rush. What he lacks in size and strength, he makes up with his speed. Once he improves his first step, it will pair nicely with the speed he already possesses. The Colts could land a late-round diamond in the rough.
Round 6 Pick 210 KJ Britt LB
Britt is a solid prospect in my eyes. Britt is a football player that the Colts defense would love to have on the roster. Britt makes good reads, sells out to stop the run. He’s disciplined to do his job on defense. At Auburn, he was the play-caller which will be a skill that will translate to the next level.
Review:
All in all, this would be perfect for the Colts. They would be adding a potential starting tackle, cornerback, and added depth among the offensive line. While they missed on a top pass rusher in the class, the need was still addressed with players who have a ton of talent. The team still would be better in all 3 phases of the game.