5 Strong Predictions for Colts 2024 NFL Draft Class

The Indianapolis Colts have a promising rookie class on their roster with a high ceiling for development.

The Indianapolis Colts utilized the 2024 NFL Draft to solve various roster needs while also adding valuable young talent. By the end of the three-day draft, Indianapolis had nine new players, each with a chance to contribute to the Colts’ long-term success.

With that in mind, it’s time to check into some way-too-early projections for the Colts draft class as the 2024 off-season begins.

Here are five that could go down, in order of when the player was selected:

1.) Laiatu Latu: 10+ Sacks, 50+ QB Pressures

Laiatu Latu’s pick was a steal at 15th overall. Latu joins DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis on Indianapolis’ formidable defensive line.

After demolishing opponents at UCLA in 2022 and 2023, it’s difficult to picture Latu not busting out as a rookie, especially with the talented Colts defensive front behind him. With Charlie Partridge at the helm, I believe Latu has the potential to be a threat to offensive lines.

I estimate 11.5 sacks and 53 quarterback pressures through 16-17 games. It’s a lofty standard to set, but Latu is one of the most polished pass rushers in recent drafts, with 62 pressures, 36 hurries, and consistent disruptions for UCLA in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus. This ceiling of potential, along with who is around him, might earn Latu the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honor.

2.) Adonai Mitchell: 80+ Targets, Catch 70% or More Passes

Indy’s draft board had two Texas Longhorn wide receivers: Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell. While Worthy appeared to be a more seasoned and explosive fit for Shane Steichen’s offensive ambitions, Mitchell has superior size, hands, and route running ability. It’s also possible that his NFL ceiling is higher than Worthy’s.

Mitchell had one standout collegiate season in 2023, with 55 catches for 845 yards (15.4 per catch) and 11 touchdowns. Despite his lack of experience, Mitchell is only 20 years old and still possesses excellent route running skills to enable him get open with Anthony Richardson as the quarterback.

Mitchell will start 2024 behind Alec Pierce, but he should eventually capture the WR3 position. Mitchell should continue to demonstrate excellent route running and skills while adjusting to the Colts playbook and learning from one of the greats, Reggie Wayne. Mitchell is projected to receive 88 targets and catch 64 of them (72.7% catch rate). Along with the receptions, Mitchell will make several big plays, totaling 885 receiving yards (13.8 per catch) and six touchdowns.

3.) Matt Goncalves: Starter at RG by End of 2024 Season

Many expected Indianapolis to utilize the third round to draft a cornerback, safety, or another playmaker, similar to the Latu selection. However, in round three, they moved up with the Arizona Cardinals to get Pittsburgh Panthers offensive tackle Matt Goncalves.

The dynamic protector only played three games in 2023 because to a toe injury, but Indianapolis believed Goncalves’ problems were in the past, betting on the former Panther’s immense potential.

Goncalves has the ability to move inside as a guard and help the Colts in a variety of offensive line positions. With the talent and contract of left guard Quenton Nelson, Goncalves’ opportunity will be with Will Fries on the right.

Fries had a good 2023, but he is also playing with Pro Bowl and All-Pro quality. Given the high cost of the veterans, Indianapolis is unlikely to pay Fries, leaving the door open for Goncalves in the long and short term.

Given Goncalves’ pass-protecting talents and general skill level, I believe he will eventually beat out Fries for the starting position. It’s tough to pinpoint specific game or scenario, but the current state of impending contracts indicates a significant potential for Goncalves to live up to his third-round selection.

4.) Anthony Gould: Score 2+ Return Touchdowns

The Colts selected Anthony Gould of Oregon State as their second receiver in round five (pick 142). However, this selection is primarily in response to the new kickoff rules, which emphasize the significance of having a reliable returner. This is where the Gould pick will provide excellent value.

Gould, like former Colts receiver Isaiah McKenzie, is roughly 5’8″ and weighs 170 pounds. He is a talented gadget player and returner. Look for Gould to receive a chance to demonstrate his value as a kick/punt returner, bringing him into the gameplan sooner. Gould returned 26 punts for 423 yards (16.3 per return) and two touchdowns during his four-year Beaver career. While Gould only saw one kick return, Indianapolis special teams coordinator Brian Mason plans to use him as a returner for both.

With Gould’s 4.39-second speed and ability to make tacklers miss, I see him starting as the primary returner and scoring two or more kick/punt return touchdowns. The Colts have not had a dangerous return option since Nyheim Hines; with Gould, they have the ability to change that.

5.) Jaylon Carlies: Force 3+ Interceptions, Leading Colts LBs

Indianapolis continued to address depth by picking cover linebacker and former safety Jaylon Carlies in the fifth round. Carlies was originally scheduled to play safety at Missouri, but he will be moved to linebacker for Indianapolis. Carlies has an undersized body for a standard linebacker (6’2″ and 225 pounds), as does former Colts linebacker and current assistant Cato June.

June, whom many feel Carlies resembles, was an outstanding cover linebacker for Indianapolis after transitioning from safety. From 2003 to 2006, June had 10 interceptions and 20 passes defended. He also had five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns in 2005, making June his only Pro Bowl appearance. If Carlies can perform like June did for Indianapolis, the Colts will have an outstanding asset at linebacker.

If everything works out and Carlies joins E.J. Speed and Zaire Franklin, I can see him forcing turnovers. Carlies, in my opinion, will see sub packages but should still earn 50 or more tackles and some excellent run defense stops. However, I believe he will record four interceptions as a rookie linebacker in 2024. This will remind Colts fans of June’s time in Indianapolis and highlight Carlies’ abilities as a complement to Gus Bradley’s scheme.