3 favored defensive back choices for Colts in 2024 NFL Draft

Most NFL Draft observers appear to agree that this year’s draft is set to become crazy.

The first overall pick is locked in stone, but what comes after that is anyone’s guess. The Commanders hosted literally every viable quarterback prospect at the same time, the Patriots and Cardinals have expressed an interest in exchanging spots, and there will be a frenzied scramble for the fourth-best quarterback in this year’s class, most likely in the Top 10.

This is all fantastic news for the Colts. With a slew of quarterbacks and offensive linemen expected to go first, Indianapolis has a plethora of fascinating possibilities with its first-round pick (15th overall). And, while the Colts could use some help on the offensive line and at tight end, the secondary is definitely their most pressing need. They were a middle-of-the-road pass defense last year, and despite Kenny Moore II having his best year yet, there is a glaring need for more skill.

So, if you’re a Colts fan, pray for quarterback instability. Pray for the Vikings, Broncos, and Raiders to ignore the other voids on their roster in favor of QB4-QB6; pray that the run on offensive lineman begins early; and pray that the Ravens do not call for some strange reason. Because if all of that is true, the Colts will have an opportunity to land a true difference maker, and these are the three candidates they might pursue.

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

2023 stats: 10 games, 20 receptions (46 targets), 2 INTs, 37.8 Passer RTG

DeJean is the finest secondary prospect in this year’s draft, and it isn’t even close. In 2023, as a cornerback, he lined up nearly exclusively outside, accounting for 630 of his 705 defensive snaps. At 6’1 and over 210 pounds, he has plenty of size for his position, something NFL teams typically appreciate. His pro day scores were as viral as combine results can get, and for good cause. In some ways, it’s troubling that he’s portrayed as a foregone conclusion.

It’s simple to see why, though. Scouts praised his athleticism, footwork, and football IQ. He’s also an excellent run defender, which never hurts. He’ll also be an early special teams contributor for the Colts, having been a standout returner for the Hawkeyes during his time at Iowa.

Despite the fact that they were both rookies, neither Jaylon Jones nor JuJu Brents had a season that prevented DeJean from taking Moore’s job. And if the Colts see DeJean as a safety, there are plenty of prospects for playing time there as well. Indy needs assistance wherever he can find it, and DeJean can play anyplace. The fit makes almost too much sense.

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

2023 stats: 13 games, 27 receptions (62 targets), 1 INT, 51.1 Passer RTG

One of Mitchell’s strongest qualities is his extensive experience: the Toledo cornerback has appeared in 40 games over the last three seasons. And he has played at least 500 snaps in each of those seasons, with at least 700 in two of the three.

He’s also considered the finest playmaking cornerback in this year’s class. According to Pro Football Focus, no FBS cornerback has forced more incompletions in the last two seasons. He gets excellent marks in both man and zone coverage and recorded five interceptions in 2022. He only had one interception in 2023, but it wasn’t for want of opportunities; PFF credited him with three lost interceptions this year.

Last year, the Colts placed 14th in interceptions. Julian Blackmon led the team with four, Kenny Moore added three, and no one else had more than two. Moore was the only cornerback on the squad with more than one pick. So, someone with Mitchell’s ball skills would fit right in. He probably won’t be there in the second round, but if DeJean is already gone at 15, Mitchell is the best backup plan you can have.

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

2023 stats: 14 games, 41 receptions (79 targets), 5 INTs, 50.7 Passer RTG

Arnold played defense at Alabama, so he always gets the benefit of the doubt. Even if he didn’t play there, his stats and athleticism would be enough to land him in the first round. He’s a 6’0, 200-pound 21-year-old with several years of SEC experience out wide and in the slot, which is about as close to professional-level experience as college corners come.

His stats don’t stand out as much as DeJean’s or Mitchell’s: his completion % last season was at the 50th percentile, and according to Pro Football Focus, his man coverage was (just barely) below average. However, he is a powerful – and willing – run defender, which is not always the case with college corners. He made numerous plays on the ball last year, reaching a career best in interceptions (5) in 2023.

Even a cursory look at his stats reveals why he’s regarded as a half-step above both DeJean and Mitchell, but whatever mock draft you come across still places him in the first round. He’ll be available for the Colts if they need him.