The Colts have got to feel good about where their board sits after The 1st Round of The 2022 NFL Draft

 

Day 1/3 has come and gone for The NFL Draft as the Colts sat out Thursday night due to not owning a 1st round pick of course given up in the deal for QB Carson Wentz who was traded to The Washington Commanders this off-season.

 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently On The Clock sitting at No.33 overall, The Colts don’t pick until No.42 overall so they could see some of their favorite names fall off the board by the time it’s their turn to call a lucky prospect. But for right now let’s take a look at a few key position group and who is still on the board currently.

Quarterback

Who’s still on the board?

 

– Malik Willis, Liberty
– Matt Corral, Ole Miss
– Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
– Carson Strong, Nevada

4 solid Quarterback options that could possibly be on the board at No.42 overall but should the Colts take one of them? I think ultimately if they feel strong about one of them then they should take him. Quarterback is still the most important position in football and you gotta make sure you trust your evaluation of them.

I am of the mindset that if one of these Quarterbacks are on the board, Ballard needs to take advantage of someone wanting to trade up for their guy and obtain more draft capital.

Wide Receiver

– Skyy Moore, Western Michigan

– George Pickens, Georgia

– Christian Watson, North Dakota State

– Alec Pierce, Cincinnati

– Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama

Now yes I know this is the position everyone wants to know about. Realistically I see the decision coming down to one of these 4 guys. The Colts are very high on Moore and Pierce but maybe they go before The Colts are on the Clock? They still like Pickens and Watson but if there is a run on these Wide Receivers I could see Chris Ballard trading down instead of reaching on guys he can get in the later 2nd or 3rd round. Me personally I would really like Moore or Pierce. They are so gifted at the LOS they would be ahead of schedule when they get to Rookie Minicamp.

 

Cornerbacks

– Andrew Booth Jr, Clemson

– Tariq Woolen, UTSA

– Kyler Gordon, Washington

– Roger McCreary, Auburn

Is Cornerback still a need? You bet your behind it is. The addition of veteran Stephon Gilmore is very helpful but The Colts need more depth. Could that depth come in the potential successor to Gilmore once his 2-year contract is up? Possibly. I’m goofing to be honest, I’m shocked Andrew Booth Jr is still on the board. Tariq Woolen was gaining some buzz but they could still be very early 2nd round picks.

I know everyone wants a wide out but if there is a run on them but one of these corners are on the board, you can’t pass up good players just because you have another need. Chris Ballard is known as a guy who drafts on “need”. He grabs the best player on their board most of the time! Again, you can always get better anywhere on your roster, adding a corner would be a good thing to legitimize the defense for years to come.

Best available at other spots

TE- Trey McBride, Colorado State

OT- Daniel Faalele, Minnesota

OT- Abraham Lucas, Washington State

DT- Perrin Winfrey, Oklahoma

DT- DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M

DE- David Ojabo, Michigan

DE- Boye Mage, Minnesota

LB- NaKobe Dean, Georgia

S- Jaquan Brisker, Penn State

S- Jalen Pitre, Baylor

The Colts are looking to be in a great spot when it comes time for them to be on the clock. They can trade up, trade down, or pick their guy at 42.

Now if it’s not going to be Quarterback, Wideout, Tight End or corner. Where could they go? Well, Ballard has so man roads he can go down. Even though majority of Colts fans won’t agree, there is the possibility he could go defense at No.42 if the right player fell into their laps.

The Colts still want to add to their interior defensive line so could they take Winfrey or Leal? I would LOVE Leal personally because I think he’s the best player on the board outside WR, QB and CB. Brisker and Pitre are also scheme fits as safeties in Gus Bradley’s system. Even though we have McLeod, he’s on a 1-year deal also with Khari Willis in a contract year. Chris Ballard can always look to add some insurance at certain spots he feels there’s too good a player to pass up.

Offensive Tackle could definitely be another option to look at but The Colts have made their plans for OT Matt Pryor very clear. He’s going to be our Week 1 Left Tackle. Disagree with it, argue about it, do whatever. But the Colts are sticking to Matt Pryor. If a guy falls that they love them maybe it could happen although I don’t think Lucas or Faalele are guys they would pound the table for.

Regardless of what happens. Let’s remember the draft is a very fluid thing. Plans, ideas change almost every Hour, minute of the day. The Colts are in a very good spot if they decide to trade up, trade down, or make a selection at 42 overall.