Colts looking for explosive players again in the 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, with over 300 hopefuls traveling to Indianapolis ahead of the draft.
The focus of the combine was an unprecedented number of high-level athletes showcasing their abilities. Testing numbers were higher in practically every position group, demonstrating the athleticism of the whole class.
The Indianapolis Colts are delighted to have such a large pool of talent to pick from. The Colts and general manager Chris Ballard are recognized for selecting top-tier athletic talents with elite characteristics. Anthony Richardson, Jelani Woods, and JuJu Brents had some of the greatest athletic numbers for their positions at the combine and were drafted by the Colts.
Ballard and the Colts have made their intentions known this offseason. They aim to acquire dynamic offensive playmakers as well as defensive players who can limit explosive plays. With that in mind, let’s take a look at our first Colts 2024 mock draft after the combine.
Round 1 Pick 15: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
With an expected run on quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive tackles in the first ten picks, the Colts select one of the draft’s top talents. Brock Bowers is labeled as a tight end, although offensive playmaker is a more fair description. Bowers, who stands 6-3 and weighs 240 pounds, is an excellent athlete and weapon in Shane Steichen’s offense.
Bowers has the ideal skill set for a tight end in today’s NFL. He has glue-like hands and is a strong, hard-nosed runner who specializes at gaining yardage after the catch. Bowers is also a capable blocker. The Colts want to add more explosiveness to their offense this offseason, and Bowers would be an excellent fit alongside Richardson.
Round 2 Pick 50: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
It wouldn’t be a Colts draft without a trade-back. Ballard strikes a deal with the Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman to drop four spots in the second round and receive a handful of Day 3 picks. Even with the trade back, the Colts acquire an impact player.
Jaden Hicks offers the Colts some much-needed safety help. He is an excellent athlete with the speed to cover the deep zone or man up against tight ends, and his closing skills allows him to make plays against the run. Hicks competed at the Senior Bowl, which the Colts value highly, and may compete for the starting free safety position right away.
Round 3 Pick 82: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
Many expect the Colts to sign an experienced cornerback in free agency. With Brents and Jaylon Jones starting the majority of the 2023 season as rookies, experience is essential. That is not to say the position will not be addressed in the draft; in this mock, the Colts add to the secondary with another high-level athlete in the third round.
Cam Hart is a cornerback with excellent size and length who uses his body to reroute wide receivers. His physicality is also on display in press reportage. Hart, another Senior Bowl participant, could enter the Colts’ lineup and push for a starting cornerback job while also contributing on special teams.
Round 4 Pick 118: Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin
The Colts’ offensive line rebounded significantly under new offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly returned to the Pro Bowl, and Bernhard Raimann established himself as the team’s franchise left tackle. However, depth throughout the line remains in issue, and the Colts must plan for the future as Kelly enters the second half of his career.
Tanor Bortolini was a standout at the combine, demonstrating his athleticism and explosiveness. He has good running and passing technique and rarely plays out of place. Bortolini is positionally versatile, playing both center and guard. Bortolini may have the inside track to start at right guard in 2025 and beyond, as Will Fries is in the final year of his contract.
Round 5 Pick 150: Ty’Ron Hopper, LB, Missouri
Last season, Indianapolis opted to split ways with former All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who was unable to return to his old self following several back operations. Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed are the team’s primary linebackers, but depth is needed in the position.
Ty’Ron Hopper fits the Colts linebacker archetype. He has outstanding length and speed to move from sideline to sideline, and he makes crushing tackles. While Hopper has to improve his covering ability, the linebacker has the potential to contribute at the position. Hopper would most likely begin as a core special teams player as he improves his game.
Round 5 Pick 171: Jalyx Hunt, Edge, Houston Christian
The Colts enjoy taking chances on Day 3 with small school candidates who possess elite athletic abilities. Last year, the Colts selected Titus Leo from Wagner with their sixth-round pick. This year, the Colts will draft Jalyx Hunt from Houston Christian in the fifth round after getting a strong look at him at the Senior Bowl.
Hunt, a former safety, has only two years of experience as an edge rusher. His length (34 3/8-inch arms) and speed are appealing as a pass rusher, and he has demonstrated the ability to bend around offensive tackles. Hunt will need to continue to bulk up and increase his play strength, but he is a promising developing possibility to consider in the later rounds.
Round 6 Pick 184: Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State
The Colts are set at running back, with Jonathan Taylor signing a new contract extension. Evan Hull, who missed the majority of his rookie season due to a knee injury, is also anticipated to play an important role as a receiving back. However, with Zack Moss leaving for free agency, depth is still required.
Isaiah Davis is a strong, powerful back who is difficult to tackle one-on-one. While he is unlikely to make many people miss in the open field, Davis is a bruiser who excels at inside runs and gaining tough yards. Davis may also be employed as a pass catcher due to his trustworthy hands and ability to get upfield after catching. This year, the running back also attended the Senior Bowl.
Round 6 Pick 193: Jaden Crumedy, DT, Mississippi State
Last season, the Colts struggled to find depth behind Grover Stewart. When Stewart was suspended for six games, the Colts’ run defense suffered greatly. Finding individuals who can defend against the run on the inside is critical.
Jaden Crumedy could be the run-stopping defensive lineman the Colts have been looking for behind Stewart. Crumedy, another Senior Bowl veteran (see a pattern here?) is a tremendous athlete for his size who thrives at eating up double teams and halting running backs in their tracks. While he still needs to improve as a pass rusher, Crumedy is a strong defensive lineman who can seal the pocket with his strength. Crumedy is a fantastic fit for the Colts as their backup. 1-Tech
Round 7 Pick 232: Ryan Flournoy, WR, Southeast Missouri State
Adding Bowers in the first round significantly improves the Colts’ offense’s explosiveness. However, the Colts want to add depth to their wide receiver corps, as Ballard stated that he did not do a good enough job of providing depth at the position last season. Ryan Flournoy, another Senior Bowl and combine performer, adds depth to the lineup.
Flournoy’s size, speed, and explosiveness suit all of the athletic criteria that the Colts look for in wide receivers. Flournoy has a high football IQ and excels at identifying vulnerable spots in zones where he can calm down and complete the grab. While Flournoy’s route running and press coverage need to be improved, he provides the Colts with strong wide receiver depth as well as special teams versatility.
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