Indianapolis Colts (Last Year: 9-8)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Colts nearly made the playoffs last year with a backup quarterback playing most of the season, so they’re on the verge of becoming a team that can compete deep into the playoffs. Wide receiver and tight end should be addressed to get the most out of Anthony Richardson, but the Colts don’t have any glaring needs, so they can afford to draft the best player available otherwise.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Indianapolis made sure to help Anthony Richardson as much as possible in this draft. Four of its top five picks were spent on offense. Two selections were wide receivers, including Adonai Mitchell, a very talented player who dropped because of off-the-field issues and type-1 diabetes concerns. Mitchell has high upside, however, so he could be a special weapon for Richardson. Two other picks were spent on the offensive line. While the Colts already blocked well, added protection is never a bad thing for a young quarterback, especially one who tends to get hurt often. Tanor Bortolini was especially a terrific choice in the fourth round.
Of course, Indianapolis’ class began with Laiatu Latu, who was available as a result of Atlanta’s stupidity. Several teams medically cleared Latu, making him the top defensive prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Colts getting such a prospect at No. 15 has to be considered a steal.
I love what the Colts did in the 2024 NFL Draft. They helped Richardson and also improved their pass rushing to help combat the many other talented quarterbacks in the AFC. Only two of their picks scored worse than a B-, but they were late-round selections.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
15. Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA – A+ Grade
The Colts are getting the top defensive player at No. 15 overall. That’s unreal. Some media people are slow on the Latu news, but he was cleared medically, so he should have gone top 10. Latu would have gone eighth overall if Arthur Blank didn’t step in and do something stupid, so the value here is outstanding.
52. Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas – B Grade
Adonai Mitchell may seem like great value, but he has some issues. He has character concerns, and teams weren’t happy with how he managed his type-1 diabetes. However, Mitchell has immense upside, and I like the Colts finding a new weapon for Anthony Richardson.
79. Matt Goncalves, OT/G, Pittsburgh – B Grade
I don’t think the Colts really needed to trade up for Matt Goncalves, but I don’t hate the decision. Goncalves has positional versatility up front, as he can play guard and tackle. He could compete for a starting job sooner rather than later.
117. Tanor Bortolini, G/C, Wisconsin – A+ Grade
I love this pick. The Colts can’t be making a mistake by giving the injury-prone Anthony Richardson better protection. Tanor Bortolini was a possible third-round prospect who can play guard and center.
142. Anthony Gould, WR, Oregon State – B+ Grade
Anthony Gould has some big-time speed, but he’s very small at 5-8, 174. I suppose this is just a special teams pick, but Gould should have been chosen at least one round later.
151. Jaylon Carlies, S/LB, Missouri – C+ Grade
This seems like another special teams pick to me. The Colts could have selected Jaylon Carlies later, as he’s a safety-linebacker tweener who doesn’t have a natural position in the NFL.
164. Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn – A+ Grade
I love Jaylin Simpson as a prospect. He’s a highly instinctive safety who can challenge for a starting job right away. Simpson needs to bulk up, but this is a great pick, as I thought Simpson could be chosen in the third round.
201. Micah Abraham, CB, Marshall – B- Grade
I had Micah Abraham as my Mr. Irrelevant, so while this is a reach, it’s not a very egregious one in the middle of the sixth round. The need makes sense for the Colts, who had to find another cornerback.
234. Jonah Laulu, DT, Oklahoma – C Grade
Here’s another prospect we didn’t have as being draftable. It’s the middle of the seventh round though, so it’s fine. A defensive lineman makes sense for the Colts at this stage.
Season Summary:
The Colts nearly made the playoffs, but lost in the finale to the Texans. Still, the future is bright with Anthony Richardson playing well in limited action as a rookie.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Cornerback: Even if JuJu Brents lives up to his potential, the Colts will still need help at cornerback.
- Safety: More help for the secondary. Indianapolis had a weak safety group that will get worse if Julian Blackmon leaves via free agency.
- Linebacker: Shaq Leonard is gone. The Colts need to bolster their linebacking corps.
- Two Wide Receivers: The Colts don’t have much at receiver outside of Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. Pittman is also an impending free agent. Re-signed Michael Pittman Jr.
- Tight End: Indianapolis has a bunch of mediocre tight ends. The front office could stand to find an upgrade.
- Guard: Will Fries is the one weakness the Colts have on the offensive line.
- Defensive Tackle: Grover Stewart is about to hit free agency. He’ll be sorely missed if he leaves.
- Quarterback: Gardner Minshew is an impending free agent, so the Colts will need to retain or replace him as insurance for Anthony Richardson. Signed Joe Flacco
- Punter: Rigoberto Sanchez is another player who will be hitting free agency.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Indianapolis Colts Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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