Draft Grade????

[Mikemccoy84]

Curious how most other fans feel about or draft on paper. Looks like PFF loved it.https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2024-nfl-draft-grades-all-32-teams

[GoColts8818]

On paper Ballard got a lot of value especially with the high to mid round picks.  Still hard to grade them until we see them on the field in game action.

[smittywerb]

Was watching the Bleacher Report stream earlier and when they went over the Winners/Losers they said we crushed it.  

[wig]

I absolutely love it. We got the best pass rusher this team has had since Mathis and a potential game changer at WR in the first two rounds, then grabbed competition and potential future replacements on the OL at best, depth at worst. Later rounds I never really have an opinion on. 

[Mikemccoy84]

I really like a lot of the prospects we took and I can say this was the most exciting draft for me in awhile. Also was pretty pleased with the forums and the attitude about the draft. Can’t wait to see what the offense can do.

[GoColts8818]

2 minutes ago, wig said:

I absolutely love it. We got the best pass rusher this team has had since Mathis and a potential game changer at WR in the first two rounds, then grabbed competition and potential future replacements on the OL at best, depth at worst. Later rounds I never really have an opinion on. 

Well we hope he will be the best pass rusher the Colts have had since Mathis.  He’s gotta do it on the field.  We know not all these kids are going to work out.  Not saying Latu won’t, I am excited for him, but he’s gotta do it on the field in the NFL.

[wig]

14 minutes ago, GoColts8818 said:

Well we hope he will be the best pass rusher the Colts have had since Mathis.  He’s gotta do it on the field.  We know not all these kids are going to work out.  Not saying Latu won’t, I am excited for him, but he’s gotta do it on the field in the NFL.

 

Does he?  Thank you.  I'm saying I'm confident he will

[MacDee1975]

19 minutes ago, GoColts8818 said:

Well we hope he will be the best pass rusher the Colts have had since Mathis.  He’s gotta do it on the field.  We know not all these kids are going to work out.  Not saying Latu won’t, I am excited for him, but he’s gotta do it on the field in the NFL.

 

Everyone drafted these past 3 days needs to do it on the field.  What, are we not supposed to talk about draft prospects until next January when they've all had a full season under their belt?

[compuls1v3]

I am very pleased with this draft.  We got a really good potential DE, which, if he and Richardson pan out, we'll have our three, including Raimann.  Also, 2 OL to protect AR, I love it!

[Yoshinator]

I'll give this draft an A-

 

Ballard did very well in the first 4 rounds, about as well as he could IMO. 5th round was nice as well. Where he lost me was not taking a RB before the run in the 5th round or getting Blake Watson at any point in the 6th or 7th round or as a UDFA when we had a top 30 visit with him and didn't draft one. I have to deduct a bit off the grade for that. 

 

I'm assuming we will sign a top remaining CB on a one-year deal pretty soon with some of the cap we opened up, so missing out on a CB until the 6th round really doesn't bother me.

 

I love Latu, Mitchell, Goncalves, and Bortolini. They were either players I loved, or in Mitchell's case, a great value. Gould is a lot of fun as a WR, Carlies and Simpson have some potential. Not a fan of Abraham that much, but he can back up Kenny Moore and play ST's. I like Laulu as a raw athlete that has potential to be good with a decently high ceiling, that's the type of guy you want in the 7th.

 

Overall, Ballard did a great job and I'm glad he went away from his normal strategy to get some players he wouldn't have gotten otherwise. A lot more production over athleticism in this draft. Looks like Steichen may have had an effect on him.

[Dobbinblitz]

The Colts were one of four teams given an A+ grade in the draft by PFF

[Yoshinator]

5 minutes ago, Dobbinblitz said:

The Colts were one of four teams given an A+ grade in the draft by PFF

Yeah, we did a great job. Just need to sign a veteran CB for a year and we're good IMO. 

[2006Coltsbestever]

Not much to complain about here. I give it an A-. I would have went Corner in Round 3 but other than that, very solid draft.

[Yoshinator]

1 minute ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

Not much to complain about here. I give it an A-. I would have went Corner in Round 3 but other than that, very solid draft.

I don't think there was ever great value for CB in this draft except in round 1 and 5 personally. I did want Mitchell or Arnold. Once we didn't get them, I wanted Melton in round 2. He went before us when four CBs went in a row. I didn't see anyone of value I wanted after that until round 5. We just missed out on Cam Hart by two picks to the Chargers, and I was hoping to get Abrams-Draine or Brownlee, and we didn't get either. After that I just gave up lol. 

[2006Coltsbestever]

3 minutes ago, Yoshinator said:

I don't think there was ever great value for CB in this draft except in round 1 and 5 personally. I did want Mitchell or Arnold. Once we didn't get them, I wanted Melton in round 2. He went before us when four CBs went in a row. I didn't see anyone of value I wanted after that until round 5. We just missed out on Cam Hart by two picks to the Chargers, and I was hoping to get Abrams-Draine or Brownlee, and we didn't get either. After that I just gave up lol. 

That WR we got in round 2 looks explosive, he and of course the Latu pick get A+'s.

[Yoshinator]

Just now, 2006Coltsbestever said:

That WR we got looks explosive, he and of course the Latu pick get A+'s.

Which WR? Mitchell or Gould? Both are athletic beasts. Mitchell I was more concerned about his character and work ethic, However, Ballard seems to be ok with him, so I'm not worried about it. Mitchell may be the 4th best WR in this class honestly if he plays to his potential. Gould is a poor mans Xavier Worthy IMO. Slower than him, but can be a punt and kick returner for us, do all sorts of gimmick plays, be a backup slot receiver to Downs. I like him a lot. Fun player.

[2006Coltsbestever]

1 minute ago, Yoshinator said:

Which WR? Mitchell or Gould? Both are athletic beasts. Mitchell I was more concerned about his character and work ethic, However, Ballard seems to be ok with him, so I'm not worried about it. Mitchell may be the 4th best WR in this class honestly if he plays to his potential. Gould is a poor mans Xavier Worthy IMO. Slower than him, but can be a punt and kick returner for us, do all sorts of gimmick plays, be a backup slot receiver to Downs. I like him a lot. Fun player.

Actually both, but I was referring to Mitchell. A nice sleeper pick is Jaylin Simpson at Safety. He isn't related to Homer but he may turn out really good.

[OLD FAN MAN]

a+ draft ballard changed his criteria and imo nailed this draft, ballard is learning to be flexible, very good on paper . i am excited again

[Yoshinator]

Just now, OLD FAN MAN said:

a+ draft ballard changed his criteria and imo nailed this draft, ballard is learning to be flexible, very good on paper . i am excited again

Agreed. The old Ballard would have never taken Latu or Mitchell. We got two elite players because Ballard went outside his comfort zone. There is hope for this team.

[Yoshinator]

3 minutes ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

Actually both, but I was referring to Mitchell. A nice sleeper pick is Jaylin Simpson at Safety. He isn't related to Homer but he may turn out really good.

Simpson is a favorite of mine. He can cover TE's and has nice playmaking skills. I had him as an early 5th rounder and I've seen some publications who ranked him as a 4th rounder. He has potential to start one day at FS.

[2006Coltsbestever]

2 minutes ago, Yoshinator said:

Simpson is a favorite of mine. He can cover TE's and has nice playmaking skills. I had him as an early 5th rounder and I've seen some publications who ranked him as a 4th rounder. He has potential to start one day at FS.

I like the fact he played in the SEC as well. Tough conference.

[Scott Pennock]

Okay, I'll bite and give my $0.02 opinion...........lol

 

OLine:

 

Bortolini - (RAS: 9.77 - so high-level athlete AND productive) Played everything but LT in College but grades out as a quality Center. Ryan Kelly on the last year of his contract and we have a younger, cheaper replacement in house for him that COULD likely step in this year if he misses any time. That is a win on three levels imho. Quality depth, long term replacement and lowers the payroll for a few years. 

Goncalves - (RAS: 7.70 - not as athletic as some but a FOOTBALL player) Has the lowest RAS in the Tackle room at the moment but I think is destined to be a Guard at the NFL level and Will Fries replacement next off-season. So while they are replacing one rookie contract with another, they still have a year to develop him prior to taking over and letting Fries seek a larger contract elsewhere. 

Tucker - (UDFA with a 7.94 RAS) Another guy who played all line spots at Marshall and offers a tremendous amount of versatility in the future. I think he will be on the Practice squad and only be called up if there is an injury, but will eventually be a solid depth piece. Again, not a high RAS but definitely a football player.

 

I have to say I am intrigued by the UDFA Trent Pennix. He is currently listed as a TE but he played RB/FB/TE at N.C. State and is by far our smallest TE which does not match up with the rest of the room. He is listed at 6'1" and 234lbs with a 4.59 40. Makes me wonder if SS has something up his sleeve for a FB/HB role? The dude is also an athlete with a 9.41 RAS.

 

WR Room:

AD Mitchell immediately slots into the number 2 spot alongside Pittman and with Downs in the slot. Keep his meds right and that is scary good! 

Loaved the Anthony Gould pick as well.........slides into that gadget guy role with his 4.39 speed AND the added benefit of being one of the most productive kick returners in college the past few years. That is a win win on many levels because we don't have to use a projected 'starter' to return kicks, he automatically becomes Downs backup and SS can use him like he wanted to use that dude who got himself cut that we had last year that didn't pan out! Ha! 

 

Secondary:

 

Simpson, while not a RAS warrior (Only a 7.40) was uber productive and was rated out as one of the best CFer types in the draft at Free Safety. I think we can all agree that Thomas took a step back last year and Cross, though taking a step forward was still not up to par. It's not out of the realm of possibilities that Simpson could end up the starter at some point early to mid-season?

 

Abraham, again not a RAS warrior at a 3.70.............he was all over the place making tackles, PBU's and INT's for Marshall. At Kenny Moore's size he could be a viable back-up (instead of Lammons) and a future replacement after Moore's contract expires. Has the family bloodlines (Donnie Abraham is his father - Bucs Tampa-2 hey days) so has probably been well coached his whole life and his dad was successful at that same size.

 

Linebackers:

 

I am REALLY excited about the draft pick (Carlies) but also the UDFA (Young) we signed.

6'3" - 227 - 34.25" arms - 4.53 40 - 8.26 RAS for the Draftee

6'3" - 226 - 33" arms - 4.56 40 - 7.04 RAS for the UDFA

Pretty similar athletic profiles and also pretty similar to the athletic blueprint used in drafting Leonard/Okereke/Speed. Carlies started in college at CB, then Safety and now will be called upon to play LB for us. Young went to Ohio State and then transferred to Kansas and had some decent production and can see him supplanting one of McGrone, Olubi or Stuard pretty easily with a solid camp.

 

Defensive Line

 

Latu - I don't care about his injury history as EVERY NFL Player is one play away from not playing again. He is a stud and I think a day one starter at the LEO for us (Sorry Samson Ebukam fans).

Laulu - Has the athletic profile (with development) to be a 3-Technique and be a solid option with Raekwon Davis as depth behind Big Grove and Buck. Likely not this year unless he shows out in camp but a stint on the PS should get him some seasoning.

The UDFA DT out of Oklahoma (Coe) could be an improvement over Eric Johnson as well since his primary role was Big Groves backup and obviously did not perform well when thrust into action as a run stopper. Coe benched 225 for 34 reps so he has some strength/endurance to him, and he is two inches shorter and weighs 12 pounds more so may come with better leverage???? 

 

The thing that stands out to me is that this draft they didn't draft all RAS Warriors - they drafted football players. The average RAS this year came out to 8.30. They drafted players that in spite of their physical 'floor' that produced on the field. That may be an important level of growth we've not seen from CB in the past but could be a boon for the roster construction of the team moving forward.

 

PFF graded this draft as an A+, hard to argue with folks who evaluate players for a living, but, I am going to temper my excitement a bit. LOL

 

What I liked about this off-season is that all 25 starters from last year are still with the team. 11 on offense, 11 on defense and all 3 specialists. This draft was about two things - finding a stud WR (Check) and providing depth and competition on the OLine, the DLine, the LB room, and the DB room. So while I only see one sure-fire starter I think 1-53 just got a heckuva lot better this weekend!

 

My Grade:  B+ with the ability to become an A if one other player (Simpson perhaps?) turns into a quality starter this year.  A+ if Bortolini and Gonclaves turn into starters next year. 

 

Sidenote - Zaire Franklin, not unlike Laulu were 7th Round flyers that had high RAS scores and Franklin does not fit the mold of CB's preferred measurements on linebackers. Not saying he will get supplanted but don't be surprised if he is not on the field on third and long as much anymore. Just food for thought.....

 

[Yoshinator]

1 minute ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

I like the fact he played in the SEC as well. Tough conference.

Yes. Facing tough competition is always a positive. It's not the be-all-end-all to succeeding in the NFL, but it's a very important factor. I'll give credit to @John Hammonds for mentioning that in his article! 

[Yoshinator]

2 minutes ago, Scott Pennock said:

Okay, I'll bite and give my $0.02 opinion...........lol

 

OLine:

 

Bortolini - (RAS: 9.77 - so high-level athlete AND productive) Played everything but LT in College but grades out as a quality Center. Ryan Kelly on the last year of his contract and we have a younger, cheaper replacement in house for him that COULD likely step in this year if he misses any time. That is a win on three levels imho. Quality depth, long term replacement and lowers the payroll for a few years. 

Goncalves - (RAS: 7.70 - not as athletic as some but a FOOTBALL player) Has the lowest RAS in the Tackle room at the moment but I think is destined to be a Guard at the NFL level and Will Fries replacement next off-season. So while they are replacing one rookie contract with another, they still have a year to develop him prior to taking over and letting Fries seek a larger contract elsewhere. 

Tucker - (UDFA with a 7.94 RAS) Another guy who played all line spots at Marshall and offers a tremendous amount of versatility in the future. I think he will be on the Practice squad and only be called up if there is an injury, but will eventually be a solid depth piece. Again, not a high RAS but definitely a football player.

 

I have to say I am intrigued by the UDFA Trent Pennix. He is currently listed as a TE but he played RB/FB/TE at N.C. State and is by far our smallest TE which does not match up with the rest of the room. He is listed at 6'1" and 234lbs with a 4.59 40. Makes me wonder if SS has something up his sleeve for a FB/HB role? The dude is also an athlete with a 9.41 RAS.

 

WR Room:

AD Mitchell immediately slots into the number 2 spot alongside Pittman and with Downs in the slot. Keep his meds right and that is scary good! 

Loaved the Anthony Gould pick as well.........slides into that gadget guy role with his 4.39 speed AND the added benefit of being one of the most productive kick returners in college the past few years. That is a win win on many levels because we don't have to use a projected 'starter' to return kicks, he automatically becomes Downs backup and SS can use him like he wanted to use that dude who got himself cut that we had last year that didn't pan out! Ha! 

 

Secondary:

 

Simpson, while not a RAS warrior (Only a 7.40) was uber productive and was rated out as one of the best CFer types in the draft at Free Safety. I think we can all agree that Thomas took a step back last year and Cross, though taking a step forward was still not up to par. It's not out of the realm of possibilities that Simpson could end up the starter at some point early to mid-season?

 

Abraham, again not a RAS warrior at a 3.70.............he was all over the place making tackles, PBU's and INT's for Marshall. At Kenny Moore's size he could be a viable back-up (instead of Lammons) and a future replacement after Moore's contract expires. Has the family bloodlines (Donnie Abraham is his father - Bucs Tampa-2 hey days) so has probably been well coached his whole life and his dad was successful at that same size.

 

Linebackers:

 

I am REALLY excited about the draft pick (Carlies) but also the UDFA (Young) we signed.

6'3" - 227 - 34.25" arms - 4.53 40 - 8.26 RAS for the Draftee

6'3" - 226 - 33" arms - 4.56 40 - 7.04 RAS for the UDFA

Pretty similar athletic profiles and also pretty similar to the athletic blueprint used in drafting Leonard/Okereke/Speed. Carlies started in college at CB, then Safety and now will be called upon to play LB for us. Young went to Ohio State and then transferred to Kansas and had some decent production and can see him supplanting one of McGrone, Olubi or Stuard pretty easily with a solid camp.

 

Defensive Line

 

Latu - I don't care about his injury history as EVERY NFL Player is one play away from not playing again. He is a stud and I think a day one starter at the LEO for us (Sorry Samson Ebukam fans).

Laulu - Has the athletic profile (with development) to be a 3-Technique and be a solid option with Raekwon Davis as depth behind Big Grove and Buck. Likely not this year unless he shows out in camp but a stint on the PS should get him some seasoning.

The UDFA DT out of Oklahoma (Coe) could be an improvement over Eric Johnson as well since his primary role was Big Groves backup and obviously did not perform well when thrust into action as a run stopper. Coe benched 225 for 34 reps so he has some strength/endurance to him, and he is two inches shorter and weighs 12 pounds more so may come with better leverage???? 

 

The thing that stands out to me is that this draft they didn't draft all RAS Warriors - they drafted football players. They average RAS this year came out to 8.30. They drafted players that in spite of their physical 'floor' that produced on the field. That may be an important level of growth we've not see from CB in the past but could be a boon for the roster construction of the team moving forward.

 

PFF graded this draft as an A+, hard to argue with folks who evaluate players for a living, but, I am going to temper my excitement a bit. LOL

 

What I liked about this off-season is that all 25 starters from last year are still with the team. 11 on offense, 11 on defense and all 3 specialists. This draft was about two things - finding a stud WR (Check) and providing depth and competition on the OLine, the DLine, the LB room, and the DB room. So while I only see one sure-fire starter I think 1-53 just got a heckuva lot better this weekend!

 

My Grade:  B+ with the ability to become an A if one other player (Simpson perhaps?) turns into a quality starter this year.  A+ if Bortolini and Gonclaves turn into starters next year. 

 

Sidenote - Zaire Franklin, not unlike Laulu were 7th Round flyers that had high RAS scores and Franklin does not fit the mold of CB's preferred measurements on linebackers. Not saying he will get supplanted but don't be surprised if he is not on the field on third and long as much anymore. Just food for thought.....

 

Nice, well thought out post Scott. Agree with a lot of what you say! 

[Yoshinator]

So Akhello Witherspoon is 29 and Xavien Howard is 30. I think you could sign either to a deal, maybe even 2 years if you really wanted too and front load the first year. That would fill the CB spot that we missed out on in the draft. Give our young CBs someone to learn from.

[Fluke_33]

Think Ralphie’s dream grade from a Christmas story….

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeYxkULH-tQ

 

 

[Smonroe]

We have all 22 starters returning, and I think we just improved two spots on day 1 with the first two picks.  Depth possibility improved with the rest of the draft.

 

So on paper, that’s an excellent draft.  Of course we can’t give it a real grade until we see them play.  
 

Now bring in a veteran CB and Safety!

[r a y s k i]

Solid A from me but thats expected, our scouts and Ballard are great draft evaluators, how they perform on the field is another matter

[Solid84]

A+

 

Laiatu Latu - The kinda guy I've been clamouring for for a long time now and specifically the guy I hoped we'd get this draft. I'm SUPER excited about this pick. If Latu turns into our Hendrickson/Crossby/Bosa the rest of the players in this draft can bust and it would still be A+ in my opinion. Technician without equal and still athletic. There's just so much to love about this guy. Steal #1.

 

Adonai Mitchell - Steal #2. Ballard stood tall on the hill defending this guy and reportedly Steichen and Wayne have been pounding the table for this guy for some time... and they got him AFTER a trade back? Bruh! Steal! Super athletic and has beat up on some of the top CBs in this draft.

 

Matt Goncalves - We've needed to upgrade our OL depth and Goncalves can play all over the line. Solid pick!

 

Tanor Bortolini - Quite possibly our future OC. Super athletic - broke Jason Kelce's 3-cone record at the combine. Love this pick!

 

Anthony Gould - This could potentially turn out to be a genius move by Ballard & Co. The new return rules means having a good returner is extra important and Gould is likely one of the best in the draft! We also needed a good backup behind Downs since McKenzie left.

 

Jaylon Carlies - After last season I felt like we needed to upgrade our coverage ability at the LB position. This is a move to do just that. Love it!

 

Jaylin Simpson - We needed to at least add competition at the FS spot. With us picking Simpson and last years 5th rounder Daniel Scott returning (who Ballard seems really excited about), we seem to be set with young talent there. Maybe we add a vet? Like this pick.

 

Micah Abraham - Don't know much about him, but he has the pedigree. Doesn't fit Ballard's typical athletic profile, so they must have seen something on tape they REALLY like.

 

Jonah Laulu - The Colts brought him in for a top 30 visit and he fits their athletic profile. Project. Solid pick in the 7th.

[Fluke_33]

1 minute ago, Solid84 said:

Laiatu Latu - The kinda guy I've been clamouring for for a long time now and specifically the guy I hoped we'd get this draft. I'm SUPER excited about this pick. If Latu turns into our Hendrickson/Crossby/Bosa the rest of the players in this draft can bust and it would still be A+ in my opinion. Technician without equal and still athletic. There's just so much to love about this guy. Steal #1.

I haven’t been on the board in awhile but same thoughts here. I didn’t think he’d get out of the top ten.  

[MikeCurtis]

8 hours ago, Yoshinator said:

Yeah, we did a great job. Just need to sign a veteran CB for a year and we're good IMO. 

If we have money for a FA, IMHO it should be FS, then CB

 

The back end is so so important in THIS zone that the Colts play 99% of the time with big (but a touch slower) CBs spec

 

The FS cleans it all up

 

Thats why I think we should use any remaining cap money to bring in a decent FS

 

 

We could use a stud CB, we have limited cash

 

 

[MikeCurtis]

1 hour ago, Solid84 said:

A+

 

Laiatu Latu - The kinda guy I've been clamouring for for a long time now and specifically the guy I hoped we'd get this draft. I'm SUPER excited about this pick. If Latu turns into our Hendrickson/Crossby/Bosa the rest of the players in this draft can bust and it would still be A+ in my opinion. Technician without equal and still athletic. There's just so much to love about this guy. Steal #1.

 

Adonai Mitchell - Steal #2. Ballard stood tall on the hill defending this guy and reportedly Steichen and Wayne have been pounding the table for this guy for some time... and they got him AFTER a trade back? Bruh! Steal! Super athletic and has beat up on some of the top CBs in this draft.

 

Matt Goncalves - We've needed to upgrade our OL depth and Goncalves can play all over the line. Solid pick!

 

Tanor Bortolini - Quite possibly our future OC. Super athletic - broke Jason Kelce's 3-cone record at the combine. Love this pick!

 

Anthony Gould - This could potentially turn out to be a genius move by Ballard & Co. The new return rules means having a good returner is extra important and Gould is likely one of the best in the draft! We also needed a good backup behind Downs since McKenzie left.

 

Jaylon Carlies - After last season I felt like we needed to upgrade our coverage ability at the LB position. This is a move to do just that. Love it!

 

Jaylin Simpson - We needed to at least add competition at the FS spot. With us picking Simpson and last years 5th rounder Daniel Scott returning (who Ballard seems really excited about), we seem to be set with young talent there. Maybe we add a vet? Like this pick.

 

Micah Abraham - Don't know much about him, but he has the pedigree. Doesn't fit Ballard's typical athletic profile, so they must have seen something on tape they REALLY like.

 

Jonah Laulu - The Colts brought him in for a top 30 visit and he fits their athletic profile. Project. Solid pick in the 7th.

RAH brotha RAH !!!

 

We both kept the faith

 

[MikeCurtis]

I give it an A+

 

The draft shouldn't be measured in April, but on the surface, it appears we did great, and filled two glaring holes at DE and WR

 

BOTH players need to be accounted for by our competition

 

AD Mitchell can (and will) blow by single coverage

 

You will HAVE to put him in a zone cover, to account for the speed 

 

THIS step will ensure that the defense cannot do the 8 man box crapollla that we saw most of the time.  JT will have so much more room to run

 

The other recievers will be open more than they were last year

 

We finally have a DE (again) that the Offense needs to account for

 

Someone that can get 4-5 more sacks (than Paye)

and actually DOUBLE his hurries. 

 

I am excited.....

 

I REALLY think that we need to add that vet FS, to complete this offseason

 

 

[Yoshinator]

3 minutes ago, MikeCurtis said:

If we have money for a FA, IMHO it should be FS, then CB

 

The back end is so so important in THIS zone that the Colts play 99% of the time with big (but a touch slower) CBs spec

 

The FS cleans it all up

 

Thats why I think we should use any remaining cap money to bring in a decent FS

 

 

We could use a stud CB, we have limited cash

 

 

I disagree for several reasons. 1.) We have Cross, Thomas, and Simpson at FS. All are young. I want to see a battle between the 3 to see who can start and if any are any good. 2.) We have Blackmon at SS, we don't need two veterans. 3.) We need a veteran at CB that can not only improve our CB play, but that the young CB group can learn from. 4.) I feel Baker can be cut easily if we sign a veteran CB and I'm not sure if Flowers will be 100% right away. 

 

There's just so many more reasons to go after a CB than a FS IMO.

[MikeCurtis]

8 minutes ago, Yoshinator said:

I disagree for several reasons. 1.) We have Cross, Thomas, and Simpson at FS. All are young. I want to see a battle between the 3 to see who can start and if any are any good. 2.) We have Blackmon at SS, we don't need two veterans. 3.) We need a veteran at CB that can not only improve our CB play, but that the young CB group can learn from. 4.) I feel Baker can be cut easily if we sign a veteran CB and I'm not sure if Flowers will be 100% right away. 

 

There's just so many more reasons to go after a CB than a FS IMO.

No worries, I am just an old dude clacking away on a PC

 

I am wrong more times than I am right  (Ask my wife, she keeps a running list   )

 

IMHO, because they clearly love their young CB room,  an experienced FS can "erase" some of the young'uns mistakes in their zone.  You can get away with rookie and young CB mistakes (that will come) by having that experienced guy

behind them

 

Or.......  I could be completely wrong   

 

[JackWV]

1 hour ago, Solid84 said:

A+

 

Laiatu Latu - The kinda guy I've been clamouring for for a long time now and specifically the guy I hoped we'd get this draft. I'm SUPER excited about this pick. If Latu turns into our Hendrickson/Crossby/Bosa the rest of the players in this draft can bust and it would still be A+ in my opinion. Technician without equal and still athletic. There's just so much to love about this guy. Steal #1.

 

Adonai Mitchell - Steal #2. Ballard stood tall on the hill defending this guy and reportedly Steichen and Wayne have been pounding the table for this guy for some time... and they got him AFTER a trade back? Bruh! Steal! Super athletic and has beat up on some of the top CBs in this draft.

 

Matt Goncalves - We've needed to upgrade our OL depth and Goncalves can play all over the line. Solid pick!

 

Tanor Bortolini - Quite possibly our future OC. Super athletic - broke Jason Kelce's 3-cone record at the combine. Love this pick!

 

Anthony Gould - This could potentially turn out to be a genius move by Ballard & Co. The new return rules means having a good returner is extra important and Gould is likely one of the best in the draft! We also needed a good backup behind Downs since McKenzie left.

 

Jaylon Carlies - After last season I felt like we needed to upgrade our coverage ability at the LB position. This is a move to do just that. Love it!

 

Jaylin Simpson - We needed to at least add competition at the FS spot. With us picking Simpson and last years 5th rounder Daniel Scott returning (who Ballard seems really excited about), we seem to be set with young talent there. Maybe we add a vet? Like this pick.

 

Micah Abraham - Don't know much about him, but he has the pedigree. Doesn't fit Ballard's typical athletic profile, so they must have seen something on tape they REALLY like.

 

Jonah Laulu - The Colts brought him in for a top 30 visit and he fits their athletic profile. Project. Solid pick in the 7th.

A+ post, thanks for your time....

[csmopar]

12 hours ago, Mikemccoy84 said:

Curious how most other fans feel about or draft on paper. Looks like PFF loved it.https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2024-nfl-draft-grades-all-32-teams

I’m giving it a B+ as it sits, borderline A-. Injury histories on two of the top 4 picks plus the diet and alleged immaturity of our 2nd rounder is why I drop it from an A. 
 

that said, I like what Chris Ballard and the colts did overall. Initially I was hoping for a WR at 15 but I can easily live with the pick of any of the top D players at 15. 
 

getting AD at 52 is a potential steal for sure if the concerns over his type 1 and immaturity don’t actually affect him. 
 

In the end, this may be Ballards best draft from top to bottom that he’s ever had. At least on paper. Let’s see if it translates.

 

 

[csmopar]

56 minutes ago, MikeCurtis said:

If we have money for a FA, IMHO it should be FS, then CB

 

The back end is so so important in THIS zone that the Colts play 99% of the time with big (but a touch slower) CBs spec

 

The FS cleans it all up

 

Thats why I think we should use any remaining cap money to bring in a decent FS

 

 

We could use a stud CB, we have limited cash

 

 

We have plenty of cash to make a move if we so choose 

[John Hammonds]

@Scott Pennock made his rundown of the draft, it is excellent!  And @Yoshinator gave me props for comments I made before the draft.  (Thanks, dude!)  So, I feel compelled to give my own review of this year's draft.

 

Round 1 / Pick 15 -- Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA [MY GUYS Player]

Colts had about 7 players targeted for their pick at 15, and by the time we got to the pick, 6 of them were still on the board.  We had our choice of anyone.  This draft is not deep at DE.  I expected us to take a WR or a CB.  Instead, we take the best DE in the draft.  Latu is the double-digit sack artist that we haven't had since Mathis.  We're talking guys like Trey Hendrickson, Maxx Crosby, Montez Sweat.  If it wasn't for his injury, he would be a top-5 pick.  It was a steal.  The pick comes with a downside.  He's a day one starter.  And we already have two starters.  Each with accomplishments.  It's a problem of riches.  It's a good problem to have, true.  But it's a problem.  But there's also a background reason.  Ebukam has 2 years left on his contract.  This year is Kwity's final year of his rookie deal, and there's no guarantee we do his 5th year option.  One of the enduring principles of drafting is that you are hopefully not drafting for your needs this year.  You are drafting for what the team looks like a couple years from now.  Latu is what the DL looks like a couple years from now.

 

Round 2 / Pick 52 -- Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas [MY GUYS Player]

For those fans (like me) who desperately wanted us to draft an offensive weapon in the first round, we got one in the second round.  Make no mistake -- Adonai Mitchell is a First Round Talent.  He has rare combination of length, speed, quickness.  He's been in five post season games, and scored a touchdown in every one.  He has rare ability to separate at the top of the route.  This guy is a day one starter.  Seriously.  What made him slip was his reputation of poor dedication when the play isn't designed to go his way.  His poor interviews at the combine.  He's got diabetes, and when he's out of whack, it adversely affects his mood.  And consequently, his performance.  Reggie Wayne has his work cut out for him.  And I envision his talk with Mitchell to resemble Proximo's talk with Maximus:  "You're good, Spaniard, but you're not that good.  You could be magnificent."  Funny, but true.  My own advice for "Lord" Mitchell is that of Tyrion Lannister:  "Never forget what you are.  The rest of the world will not.  Wear it like armor.  And it can never be made to hurt you."  So he has diabetes.  And?  I say, immediately approach the Snickers people and volunteer to do a commercial spot for them.  "Hey, AD, you need a Snickers?  Why?  Because you play like a jerk when you don't have one!  Better?  Better!"  Heck, yeah.

 

Round 3 / Pick 79 -- Matt Goncalves, OL, Pitt

To tell the truth, I was looking for us to address our DB needs with this pick.  I wasn't expecting an offensive lineman.  I initially wanted to be disappointed.  The more I read about this guy, the more encouraged I got.  I still can't help but look back at those terrible 2021 and 2022 seasons, when we made terrible attempts to address our offensive line through washed up veteran free agents who couldn't play anymore.  Some of them couldn't play to begin with.  I liked the Blake Freeland pick.  And I'm liking Goncalves, too.  More for who he is than what he is.  Just listen to his live phone call with Chris Ballard when he got picked.  That's the kind of energy you want in the huddle, on the field, in the locker room.  This is a Good Guy.  He's still got work to do.  He's got very short arms (nothing he can do about that) but he also had terribly few reps on the bench press.  He can do something about that.  Get in there, get to work, and compete for playing time.

 

Round 4 / Pick 117 -- Tanor Bortollini, OC, Wisconsin

What?  When are we going to pick one of the DB's I had flagged for our team?  Here's a thing:  Bortollini broke Jason Kelce's combine record for the 3-cone shuttle.  He ran a 4,95 40.  He can play any position on the line.  And let's not fool ourselves.  No matter how much Ryan Kelly says he wants to continue playing, there comes a time in every player's career when the ball club is ready to move on before you are.  I like this player.  Seriously.  Him and his outrageous mullet.  No, he's not the position I wanted.  But I like him.

 

Round 5 / Pick 142 - Anthony Gould, WR, Oregon State

Quite frankly, I was surprised we drafted another WR after taking Mitchell.  And another player who is a quick, undersized slot receiver.  We already have one in Downs.  What do we need another one for?  But after watching film on him, I can see what they see.  This guy is going to be our punt returner.  Geez, he looks small.  But he's listed at 5-11.  Still looks tiny.  I'm gonna enjoy watching him.  Clarence Verdin 2.0?  Anybody?

 

Round 5 / Pick 151 - Jaylon Carlies, LB/DB, Missouri [MY GUYS Player]

Love the pick.  This is one of the guys I had on my own list.  I studied the new Vic Fangio "Cover 6" hybrid defense that everyone was beginning to use vs the modern 3-by-1 offensive formations.  And I came away from that experience certain that a new, different kind of player is going to be required in the modern game.  A guy who could play safety, nickel, and linebacker all at once.  Why?  Because of what genius coaches like Shane Steichen have been doing against it.  They line up in 3-by-1.  So the defense goes into Cover 6.  Then one of the 3 WR's goes in motion across the field to make a 2-by-2.  The defense reacts by switching over to Quarters coverage.  That motion receiver then quickly circles back around to the other side of the field.  And the defense needs to react back again.  How quickly can they do it?  How quickly can the players understand just which coverage they're doing?  Do they have the right personnel on the field to play either coverage?  Ah ha!!!  What is needed is a player that can stay on the field regardless of what coverage is being called.  Carlies is that player.

 

Round 5 / Pick 164 - Jaylin Simpson, DB, Auburn

We finally address our issue at Free Safety.  Our starter at that position was a good story.  Ivy League player picked in the 7th round made good.  Works his way into the starting lineup.  Great story.  Problem was, Rodney Thomas really isn't that good.  He may be the best FS we have.  But that's not saying much.  Both Julian Blackmon and Nick Cross are Strong safeties.  True, they can both line up at FS.  But it doesn't mean they're all that suited for it.  Jaylin is a CB/FS hybrid that had 7 interceptions at Auburn.  He's a thin, wiry guy.  He's not going to help you tackle guys running at you.  But in today's 4-wide offenses?  Oh, yeah.  He can play.

 

Round 6 / Pick 201 - Micah Abraham, CB, Marshall

I don't know much about Abraham.  My only attachment to this pick is that I have a close friend who was at college at Marshall when the tragedy happened to their football team.  Also, Chris Ballard has a thing for turning over every rock to find an unpolished gem off the beaten path.  We'll see how he works out.  What he does.  I would expect that his first stop (if he makes the team) will be special teams.

 

Round 7 / Pick 234 -- Jonah Laulu, DT, Oklahoma

Again, I don't know much about him.  But I do know that we can now legitimately do a Polynesian haka with our defensive line.  My advice to him is the same speech that the Colts make to all rookies.  You're here now.  It doesn't matter where you were drafted.  It doesn't matter if you were drafted.  It's now up to you to show the coaches what you can do, and beat the guy in front of you.

 

My overall draft grade:  B+

I love the first two picks, and we have three guys from my MY GUYS list.  I wish we could have addressed DB earlier in the draft than where we did.  But I'm not going to complain.  Our needs coming into this offseason were at free safety, wide receiver, consistent pass rush, top end corner, and prime cover corner.  We not only addressed nearly all of them, but addressed them well.  If we splurged in the next two weeks and gave Justin Simmons a bunch of money to play FS for us, I'd drive over to west 56th street and kiss Chris Ballard myself.

 

I'm feeling good about this team, and about this season.  The new theme I have chosen for this year is "NO MORE EXCUSES".  Let's go do it.

 

[KB]

22 minutes ago, Yoshinator said:

I disagree for several reasons. 1.) We have Cross, Thomas, and Simpson at FS. All are young. I want to see a battle between the 3 to see who can start and if any are any good. 2.) We have Blackmon at SS, we don't need two veterans. 3.) We need a veteran at CB that can not only improve our CB play, but that the young CB group can learn from. 4.) I feel Baker can be cut easily if we sign a veteran CB and I'm not sure if Flowers will be 100% right away. 

 

There's just so many more reasons to go after a CB than a FS IMO.

I'd say that FS is the position of greater need and the biggest hole on the roster. While our young CBs made some mistakes last year, the bulk of the explosive plays were from mistakes at the FS position (most of the explosive plays from CBs were Baker Jr).

 

We also didn't do enough to improve the position to leave it as is. Our options at the moment are the ones you listed. Cross has shown to be better as a strong safety. Thomas was good his first year, but terrible his second. So bad I'm not sure if he should get a third with us. Maybe he turns around. I won't say Simpson sucks or anything like that, but he was a 5th round pick in a weak safety draft. He can't be handed the position. A Thomas vs Simpson camp battle for the position is a weak battle.

 

I'd also say that an experienced FS would also help in the grooming of our young CBs. When Mike Adams was here the CBs here would talk about how much his experience at safety helped them on and off the field. I believe the biggest was tape study.

 

I believe if we only took one position before the season, FS would be the more important. To take and experienced CB but nobody at free safety would bring minimal results due to allowing explosive plays. If we only brought in say Diggs or Simmons tho, those plays would be mitigated even with our young CBs.

 

Hopefully we grab experience at both and show Baker Jr the door. Really just get rid of Baker and we might win a few more games.