Colts 2021 Draft Watchlists and Team Fits/ Senior Bowl Week (Merge)

[Defjamz26]

December means It is officially draft season. Although the Colts are likely playoff bound and will be playing into January, it’s not too early to start looking. I figured this topic could be a place where everyone discusses prospects to keep a watch on and may be option for the Colts in the draft based on what we know the staff values in Scheme, character, athleticism, etc..I’m also only including guys I think we have a shot at so no Patrick Surtain, Jamar Chase, etc...

 

 

First here’s what I believe the team needs are

1. LT

2. Edge

3. CB

4. WR

5. TE

 

QB is it’s own special category because we have no clue how that will be handled. It’s a need but may be solved by a FA or a trade. Maybe Eason is the guy. The whole thing is a head scratcher.

 

LT:

 

- Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

-Liam Eichenberg, Norte Dame

-Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State

 

Edge:

- Patrick Jones, Pittsburgh

-Carlos Basham, Wake Forest

-Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Oregon State

- Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt

 

 

Still doing more research on other position groups, so feel free to drop some suggestions.

[Orioles22]

I'd put corner ahead of end. I'd imagine we'll extend a few of our current players to keep that position OK. That seems to be the one position where Ballard hasn't done so well in drafting with Turay and Bonagu.

[richard pallo]

After yesterday's experiment I wouldn't be surprised if the Colts moved Nelson to LT when AC retires.  I think he could easily slide over without a problem.  That would make it easier for Ballard to trade the 1st pick for another proven young starter.  

[NewColtsFan]

1 hour ago, richard pallo said:

After yesterday's experiment I wouldn't be surprised if the Colts moved Nelson to LT when AC retires.  I think he could easily slide over without a problem.  That would make it easier for Ballard to trade the 1st pick for another proven young starter.  

Nelson only moved over for roughly 5 plays (+/-) as best as I could tell.   I’m confident that’s not enough to know anything about whether QN can make the move or not?   Maybe he can?   And maybe not. 
 

Way too early to know. 

[Defjamz26]

22 hours ago, Orioles22 said:

I'd put corner ahead of end. I'd imagine we'll extend a few of our current players to keep that position OK. That seems to be the one position where Ballard hasn't done so well in drafting with Turay and Bonagu.

Corner will be hard to fix. My initial impressions so far are that this isn’t a deep class for corner. Farley and Surtain are the top two guys and then it’s a huge drop off after that. Next best guy is Wade from Ohio State but he may just be a nickel. Probably have to go with the draft and develop approach and pray for a hidden gem.

 

Edit: Actually Jaycee Horn is good too but he’ll be a first rounder and not sure he’s a scheme fit. Maybe Paulson Adebo in the 3rd or 4th round could be a steal.

[DougDew]

Those are all needs.  Don't discount the idea that TE should be higher.  I'd put it at least equal to WR.  Doyle misses a lot of time and MAC is probably a nice backup only.  Rivers and the O would take the next step if there was a real talent at TE.

[buccolts]

Don't forget Tell would be back next year also.

[Defjamz26]

1 hour ago, DougDew said:

Those are all needs.  Don't discount the idea that TE should be higher.  I'd put it at least equal to WR.  Doyle misses a lot of time and MAC is probably a nice backup only.  Rivers and the O would take the next step if there was a real talent at TE.

If I’m not mistaken all of our TEs on the roster are FAs next season as well. I feel like it’s something that can be addressed later in the draft though. 4th round or later. This offense doesn’t need an elite TE to flourish.

 

30 minutes ago, buccolts said:

Don't forget Tell would be back next year also.

Call me crazy but I liked Tell at CB better than Rock last season. I thought he played better in coverage but probably wasn’t as good a tackler. It’ll be interesting to see where he’s at in his development after sitting out a season.

[buccolts]

53 minutes ago, Defjamz26 said:

If I’m not mistaken all of our TEs on the roster are FAs next season as well. I feel like it’s something that can be addressed later in the draft though. 4th round or later. This offense doesn’t need an elite TE to flourish.

 

Call me crazy but I liked Tell at CB better than Rock last season. I thought he played better in coverage but probably wasn’t as good a tackler. It’ll be interesting to see where he’s at in his development after sitting out a season.

 

Agreed, and if I recollect correctly, he was being considered for both CB & S, so he was flexible.

[danlhart87]

I would love Trask or Jones 

[DownHillRunner]

2 hours ago, danlhart87 said:

I would love Trask or Jones 

 

 

I think those guys could be had in round 2 if Ballard wants to draft a QB. Slam dunk first rounders are Lawrence, Fields, Lance, and Wilson. 

[danlhart87]

Just now, DownHillRunner said:

 

 

I think those guys could be had in round 2 if Ballard wants to draft a QB. Slam dunk first rounders are Lawrence, Fields, Lance, and Wilson. 

Solid option might be to trade down and take them at the top of 2nd

 

I doubt either fall to bottom of 2nd

[BSteph1]

Azeez Ojulari - EDGE, Georgia
Ticks a bunch of Ballard boxes. 6.5 sacks and 9.5 TFLs in 9 games this season. 114 SPARQ as a high school senior, including a 40 inch vertical. First freshman team captain in Kirby Smart’s tenure at Georgia. Will be interesting to see his pass rush productivity metrics because Georgia plays him in coverage a decent amount. He’ll get knocked a bit for his size but he’s strong enough to set the edge and his frame doesn’t seem maxed out yet.

[DougDew]

16 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

If I’m not mistaken all of our TEs on the roster are FAs next season as well. I feel like it’s something that can be addressed later in the draft though. 4th round or later. This offense doesn’t need an elite TE to flourish.

 

Call me crazy but I liked Tell at CB better than Rock last season. I thought he played better in coverage but probably wasn’t as good a tackler. It’ll be interesting to see where he’s at in his development after sitting out a season.

Yes.  Look at it this way:  We have Tell in the mix at CB.  We have TY and Campbell in the mix at WR.  We have several Edge DEs that we have invested draft picks in.  Eason is on the roster.  All of those players can take the next step next year. 

 

Although there are questions, there is a pipeline of young talent at CB, WR, DE, and QB.

 

There is none at LT or TE.  So, IMO, that's where the priority of the needs are.  LT round 1, TE maybe even in round 2.  There is always the wildcard of signing or trading for a TE.  

 

There are probably more questions around our young talent at DE than the young talent at the other positions, so I could see us going LT 1, DE 2, TE 3.

[Hoose]

LT; DE; TE; CB. Those are the priority draft needs. Grab a WR in free agency; re-sign Rhodes and TY. 

[danlhart87]

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-mock-draft-dolphins-pick-devonta-smith-steelers-select-future-franchise-quarterback-kyle-trask/

[Defjamz26]

3 hours ago, DougDew said:

Yes.  Look at it this way:  We have Tell in the mix at CB.  We have TY and Campbell in the mix at WR.  We have several Edge DEs that we have invested draft picks in.  Eason is on the roster.  All of those players can take the next step next year. 

 

Although there are questions, there is a pipeline of young talent at CB, WR, DE, and QB.

 

There is none at LT or TE.  So, IMO, that's where the priority of the needs are.  LT round 1, TE maybe even in round 2.  There is always the wildcard of signing or trading for a TE.  

 

There are probably more questions around our young talent at DE than the young talent at the other positions, so I could see us going LT 1, DE 2, TE 3.

I think that’s a tough ask. To look at Tell and Ya-Sin and think that we’re good at corner. Or to look at Banogu, Turray, and Lewis and say there’s enough young talent at DE. As it stands none of those guys are above average. I don’t see Ballard taking a TE round 2 over over the best corner if it came down to it. If possible I’d go LT, DE, corner in that order in the first 3 rounds.

[danlhart87]

If Ballard doesn't go QB building the trenches will be crucial.  We all saw this year what an OL with injuries can become like Dallas.

 

Colts are 1 injury or 2 away from being bottom of the barrel again 

[Defjamz26]

19 hours ago, danlhart87 said:

I would love Trask or Jones 

Outside of production, tell me what you like about them.

[danlhart87]

1 hour ago, Defjamz26 said:

Outside of production, tell me what you like about them.

I'm gonna have to do more extensive research on both.  I know both have flaws obviously but I think either would thrive here sitting behind Rivers for a year and playing behind our OL.

[Shive]

Pinned this topic, so any Colts-related prospect discussion can be centralized here.

[Defjamz26]

Really like Tylan Wallace but he may be a 1st rounder when it’s all said and done. 

[poilucelt]

On 12/15/2020 at 3:24 PM, danlhart87 said:

I would love Trask or Jones 

Trask has had a very good year with a coach who has a history of making QBs look good--but I'm not sure Trask is a sure-fire franchise QB. And I personally would never use a 1st round choice on an Alabama QB--those guys get to work with WR groups that are better than some NFL teams have, and it's mostly vs. DBs who'll never make an NFL roster. Jones reminds me  of Fromm more than anyone else.

 

I think the true 1st round Edge guys will be gone before the Colts pick, but I wouldn't be shocked if a promising OL or DB was still available. Nor would I be shocked to see Ballard trade down, figuring (as is the case in most drafts) that there's little real difference between the "late-1st-round" guys and  the "2nd-round" guys,  so why not get more of them by acquiring more picks?

[Defjamz26]

Colts currently slotted to pick 18

[Defjamz26]

Teven Jenkins from Oklahoma State interests me. Top 5 graded OT on PFF and hasn’t given up a sack in 2 years. He’ll also be at the Senior Bowl.

[Zoltan]

On 12/14/2020 at 10:14 AM, Defjamz26 said:

 

QB is it’s own special category because we have no clue how that will be handled. It’s a need but may be solved by a FA or a trade. Maybe Eason is the guy. The whole thing is a head scratcher.

Very accurate 

[Archer]

If Washington, the Bears, the Rams, and the Colts all lose this weekend (all at least 4 pt underdogs), I think we’d be the #22 pick.  We have a better record than those three from the NFC.  Of course, I hope we end up at 32...

[Stephen]

On 12/15/2020 at 8:19 PM, DownHillRunner said:

 

 

I think those guys could be had in round 2 if Ballard wants to draft a QB. Slam dunk first rounders are Lawrence, Fields, Lance, and Wilson. 

What about jamie Newman 

[Defjamz26]

11 hours ago, Stephen said:

What about jamie Newman 

I’m a huge fan of his.

[ar7]

Greg Newsome II declared for the draft. He is a cornerback from Northwestern. This guy screams of being a Ballard type player from his size, skillset, personality. Right now seems like a Day 2 pick.

 

I also agree on Dillion Radunz. I think he is one to watch. He is an OT from North Dakota State. He will participate in the Senior Bowl and the Colts place a huge emphasis on that. Given the level of competition North Dakota State plays, and only playing one game this year, the Senior Bowl will be huge for Radunz.

 

In addition to Radunz, and other round 1-2 tackles, I think the Colts are going to look hard at drafting another tackle around the 4th round. After this season I think the Colts will look to improve their offensive line depth specifically at tackle and will look to walk away from this draft with a couple prospects. Some later round guys might be Spencer Brown and Jake Curhan.

 

Another player at the Senior Bowl to watch is Payton Turner. He could rise during the draft process starting with a good performance at the Senior Bowl. 

[cjrichard]

On 12/16/2020 at 11:47 AM, Defjamz26 said:

Outside of production, tell me what you like about them.

Student of the game, reads defenses well, processes thru reads quickly, team leader.  Not bad traits for a QB but would only take him in the upper second round.

 

Joseph 

[cjrichard]

I'm expecting the Colts to target QB, LT, WR, Edge in FA.     

 

I'm feeling a trade down in the first unless a high upside LT, Edge, WR, or CB falls in the Colts lap.  Trading out of the first with the Dolphins would garner two additional second rounders (3 total).  The second round has a lot of quality players and gives the Colts a lot of flexibility to fill the roster after FA and keep the Colts under the cap with a little room for roster surprises (injuries, unexpected FA releases).

 

Joseph

[TimetobringDfence!]

On 12/14/2020 at 11:26 AM, Orioles22 said:

I'd put corner ahead of end. I'd imagine we'll extend a few of our current players to keep that position OK. That seems to be the one position where Ballard hasn't done so well in drafting with Turay and Bonagu.

I agree CB is a pressing need. But I wouldnt draft too high. The position is more about development. It takes a few years to get starter quality. I say we chase a few in free agency. I really like Mike Hilton, would love to get him and resign Rhodes.

[Defjamz26]

Dayo Odeyingbo from Vanderbilt is a developmental edge prospect I like. 6’6” 270 lbs. Smart kid who will be at the Senior Bowl. Round 3 or 4 he’s worth a look. 5.5 sacks this year so not great production but worth taking a shot on.

[Colt Overseas]

On 1/24/2021 at 9:19 PM, Defjamz26 said:

Dayo Odeyingbo from Vanderbilt is a developmental edge prospect I like. 6’6” 270 lbs. Smart kid who will be at the Senior Bowl. Round 3 or 4 he’s worth a look. 5.5 sacks this year so not great production but worth taking a shot on.

 

Good player. Himself and Payton Turner are both good LDE prospects in round 3 or 4. Basham will probably go sooner I'd say. 

[Colt Overseas]

I also really like Ifeatu Melifonwu at CB.

 

Long corner, 6'3 213lbs, outstanding athlete, really explosive and fluid. Will run in the early 4.4s I'd say. Wouldn't have great ball production, but he has a high ceiling as a boundary corner. He will also be at the Senior Bowl and is the type of CB Ballard will love.

[Colt Overseas]

Draft SZN is in full swing now with this being Senior Bowl Week. I thought I'd make a thread of players to look out for and the type of players Ballard will be interested in drafting.

 

Here is a link to the rosters anyway:

 

https://www.al.com/sports/2021/01/full-rosters-released-for-2021-reeses-senior-bowl.html

 

My 4 favorite prospects are:

 

Nico Collins WR, Michigan: Big WR target. 6'4 225lbs but is super explosive. Reminds me alot of a Chase Claypool or Denzel Mims player, big, fast, can beat press man and make plays down the field. He didn't play this year because of Covid, and I would expect him to go in the 2nd round about where we are picking. I think he would be an excellent Z receiver in the NFL like the aforementioned Claypool.

 

Ifeatu Melifonwu CB, Syracuse: I've wrote the same in another thread, but he is a long corner, 6'3 213lbs, outstanding athlete, really explosive and fluid. Will run in the early 4.4s I'd say. Wouldn't have great ball production, but he has a high ceiling as a boundary corner. The type of CB Ballard will love. Could be there in the 3rd.

 

Payton Turner DE, Houston: Heavy LDE like Autry. Still quite raw, but has good power moves and effort. Will be interesting to see how he does lined up against NFL caliber tackles.  

 

Hunter Long TE, Boston College: Not the best athlete but good enough. Has great hands and good in contested catch situations. I like him as a Doyle replacement as he is a very willing blocker and has good size. 

 

Anybody else have any favorites?

 

[Hark]

Those are some really good ones, particularly Nico Collins. Will have to check out the TE from BC, haven't heard much about him.

[danlhart87]

Mods can we pin this?

I will definitely be watching Jones closely 

I am curious in the months ahead how his stock will change 

[chad72]

Jaelon Darden, North Texas, WR - go check him out. He has got the measurables Ballard desires, will make a potential Z replacement for TY, IMO, explosive athlete.

 

Ben Skowronek, Notre Dame, WR - could this guy play the X WR role? He reminds me of McCaffrey Sr., the guy that is not afraid to go down the middle for contested catches and is a good red zone target for your QB.

 

Anyone else have thoughts on these two? Potential Day 3 guys, IMO, that the team could utilize well.