Part II: Colts’ Draft Prospects on Defense

Javon Bullard, safety / slot cornerback, Georgia

The Colts’ need at safety is as plain as it gets, and while I expect Ballard to sign a veteran later in the free agency season, selecting a player like Bullard in the draft would solve the problem for the near future. Bullard, who has more than 1.200 snaps in the SEC while playing for the finest defense in the country and possibly in college history, stands 5’11”, which is why some pundits classify him as a hybrid player. The Colts need players like him in the secondary, and Bradley’s scheme prioritizes intelligence over pure athleticism. Bullard would also make an excellent backup for Kenny Moore because their styles are so similar.

Bullard would not cover the position at safety per se, but his worth lies in his versatility as a player who could play safety, slot cornerback, and even in the box.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., linebacker, Clemson

Trotter, like Bullard, is a little undersized for the position, standing at 6’0” and 230 pounds, but what he lacks in size he more than makes up for with high-level playing experience (close to 1.500 snaps at Clemson) and an off-the-charts football IQ that shines through when watching his film. The Colts are thin at linebacker, with only Zaire Franklin, E.J. Speed, and Segun Olubi, and I believe Speed underperformed last season, and the Colts could use an upgrade.

I also have some doubts about Zaire Franklin’s body being able to withstand the toll that 350 combined tackles made over the past two years.

Tyler Nubin, safety, Minnesota

Nubin is one of my top draft picks for the Colts, as he has the size, athleticism, and playing experience to step in and grab the starting job right away. This is a player who would take over the starting safety position and be far superior to Nick Cross or Rodney Thomas on day one. Gus Bradley’s scheme requires safeties who can play well from deep and prevent big plays, and Nubin is precisely that, with excellent range and long arms. My ideal scenario would be to trade back and acquire Nubin later in the first.

Byron Murphy, defensive tackle, Texas

DeForest Buckner isn’t getting any younger, Grover Stewart isn’t known for his pass rush, and the Colts will face C.J. Stroud twice a year in the division race. These statistics demonstrate that the team’s pass-rushing talents require improvement. Byron Murphy would be an excellent complement to DeForest in the interior on passing downs, allowing Stewart to rest during those snaps. He will most likely be available at #15 and might start contributing right away. My concerns about Murphy include not just his lack of experience overall, but specifically his lack of familiarity playing the A gap, but the talent and potential are undeniable for the Colts to grow.

Jared Verse, edge rusher, Florida State University

The Colts lack an edge rusher who can consistently bring pressure on opposing quarterbacks, as Kwity Paye is not developing as expected when it comes to rushing the passer, Dayo Odeyingbo is either a game-changer or a non-factor, and Samson Ebukam specializes in run defense. Jared Verse would be a good pick at #15 since he fits the profile of what the Colts urgently need at the position. 27 sacks in the SEC on a 6’4”, 260-pound frame would be a terrific addition to the Colts’ edge-rushing corps, which has been without a genuine #1 pass-rusher since Robert Mathis’ retirement.