With Chris Ballard at the lead, the draft once again seems like a success.
Just a disclaimer: I do not believe in handing out draft grades that quickly, as it has been seen time and again how ineffective it is. A draft class must be evaluated after three complete seasons, and even then it may be too soon. What we can do is offer our initial views on the picks and how we believe they will improve the squad and help the Colts make the playoffs once more.
Laiatu Latu, defensive end, UCLA
I liked the pick, primarily because I had previously stated that an edge rusher was one of the Colts’ most pressing defensive needs, since the pass rush was inconsistent and failed to show up at critical moments last season. Dayo Odeyingbo appears to have either a two-sack game in which he is always in the backfield or simply disappears, Kwity Paye has regressed as a pass-rusher every season since being chosen, and Samson Ebukam’s finest attribute is his prowess against the run. Adding Latu, probably the finest pass-rushing edge defender in the class, at #15 made too much sense not to happen.
Why did a guy of his brilliance go all the way down to the Colts? Well, Latu had a neck injury that nearly ended his career during COVID, and he was not cleared by Washington’s medical team before returning to UCLA. It’s important noting that Latu saw the same doctor as Manning, so the Colts have to be confident in his long-term health. I believe Latu will not be asked to play every down, but will instead rotate with Kwity Paye and be utilized as a pass-rush specialist beginning in Week 1.
Adonai Mitchell, wide receiver, Texas
Mitchell probably slid because of some anonymous sources questioning his character and work ethic. You can check out how Ballard felt about that right here in case you have not watched it yet (WARNING: Explicit Language)
Chris Ballard is going to bat for Ad Mitchell and he's pissed about all of the reports of Mitchell's off the field concerns.
The #Colts GM is on one and I'm here for it. pic.twitter.com/yBu8wGWO83
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) April 27, 2024
Mitchell might be the Colts’ missing piece at wide receiver, pushing Alec Pierce to fourth place. Adonai, a route runner with exceptional athleticism and good hands, has a mouth-watering highlight reel from Texas and adds another big body to the offense’s red-zone packages. I loved this pick, but I couldn’t understand why the Colts moved down from 46th to 52nd, adding only two more 5’s. Why take the risk of putting Mitchell in such positions if they were so confident in him? It did not happen, therefore I am not condemning Ballard for taking a risk that paid off; it simply appeared unnecessary.
Matt Goncalves, offensive line, Pittsburgh
This is the first pick I’m not totally sure about, as Blake Freeland already fills the role of depth swing tackle, and Goncalves was not very high on my draft board, and I really like Christian Haynes, who was selected two picks later. His value is primarily based on his versatility, since a move inside appears to be the most logical step to take, but if the Colts intend to use him as a depth player, why not go with the guy who has over 2.400 snaps playing inside? Time will tell, but I am not really confident in this selection. My second notion is that the Colts might contemplate moving Braden Smith inside and playing either Freeland or Goncalves at right tackle.
Tanor Bortolini, center, Wisconsin
Bortolini is one of the most athletic linemen in this draft class, having played almost every position on the offensive line. Bortolini will be Ryan Kelly’s backup right away, and Ballard is likely to consider him as a long-term replacement. This was one of my favorite picks, because it included an athletic freak and did not immediately put him in the starting lineup.
Anthony Gould, wide receiver/returner, Oklahoma State
The NFL revised its kickoff regulations to favor the return game, and the Colts had a clear vacancy at return man without Isiah McKenzie. Gould was one of the top return guys in college and will be used primarily on special teams, so his value as a fifth-round choice is undeniable, and this is an undervalued acquisition by Ballard.
Jaylon Carlies, linebacker, Missouri
Carlies appears to be deployed in a similar manner to Ronnie Harrison Jr. last season, mostly as a coverage linebacker. He possesses the range and agility to compete with tight ends and running backs in the passing game, but I’m concerned about his tackling ability, as he missed 21 tackles last season, according to PFF.
Jaylin Simpson, safety, Auburn
Simpson’s major problem is his weight, which is only 178 pounds, but his experience and versatility make him an important addition to the Colts’ backfield, which desperately needs guys who can play many roles. I believe Simpson will need a year to get his body into NFL shape, but on a Colts secondary that lacks bodies, he might see significant playing time in his rookie year.
Micah Abraham, cornerback, Marshall
And here we go! Ballard’s trademark mystery choice in every draft. To be completely honest, I am unfamiliar with Abraham’s name, and I did not see a single photo of him in college. I did notice that Abraham had one of the lowest RAS in this cornerback class, at 3.70, and short arms of 30.8”, which is unusual for Ballard choosing cornerbacks.
Jonah Laulu, defensive tackle, Oklahoma
Laulu possesses an exceptional work ethic, as well as the height and agility required to play defensive tackle in the NFL. The question is whether he can continue to add weight to his frame as he has every year since leaving Hawaii, and working with NFL-caliber strength coaches and nutritionists will provide him with the skills to do so. Seventh-round picks are generally long chances.
