The 2024 NFL off-season is well underway now and one of the biggest dates on the calendar, in talent acquisition terms, is the NFL Draft. NFL teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, are allowed to draft/pick and sign players who have declared for the upcoming draft from the college ranks. The NFL Draft begins with day one on Thursday, April 25th, and carries on for two more days, ending on April 27th. Day one sees the first round of the draft, day two sees the second and third rounds and, finally, day three sees rounds four through seven.
The Colts, as in previous years under General Manager Chris Ballard, are seemingly very well prepared. The Colts have some roster needs but not as many as they had before free agency. During the free agency period, the Colts added two veteran players on short term deals with the additions of Defensive Tackle Raekwon Davis on a 2 year deal and Quarterback Joe Flacco on a 1 year deal. The Colts chose to re- sign multiple in house free agents at positions of need on multi-year contracts. While the team was relatively quiet in signing outside free agents, the focus now switches to the NFL Draft. The Colts own seven draft picks remaining, one first-round pick, one second-round pick, one fourth, one fifth, one sixth and one seventh-round picks.
So, using the PFF draft machine I was able to complete a 7-round mock draft for the Indianapolis Colts.
Here we go!
Round 1 Pick 15 – CB Quinyon Mitchell
I fully expect the Colts to trade back from pick 15 and add some picks on Day 2. However the Colts opt to stay at number 15 at draft a cornerback in Toldeo’s Quinyon Mitchell. Mitchell is CB1 in this years draft standing at 6’0” 195lbs. Mitchell rate blend of size, strength and speed giving him the ability to play a variety of coverages. He will make a great fit for Gus Bradley’s Colts defense. His top end speed is great, clocking a 4.3 40 yard dash at the combine and his Senior Bowl performance showed how extremely disruptive he is in coverage and in re-routing receivers.
Round 2 Pick 46 – LB Edgerrin Cooper
Cooper is a highly athletic and physical linebacker who fits the mould that GM Chris Ballard loves. His length, speed and physicality will show up regularly on Sunday’s in he NFL. Adding Cooper to a linebacker room that has its starters set in stone gives him an opportunity to develop under the leadership of Zaire Franklin. Cooper is a 3 down linebacker who if he develops well could become a top linebacker for years to come.
Round 3 Pick 82 – WR Devontez Walker
The Colts need to add some speed on the outside at wide receiver so why not add a 6’2 4.3 speedster? Walker is a big receiver with great length and great speed. His ability to get upfield with his elite acceleration and top speed makes him an instant impact as a deep threat. His elite speed would allow him to add a much needed YAC ability to the Colts offense. He does need some refinement with his route running and beating press coverage but it’s something he can develop over time whilst still being able to make an early impact.
Round 4 Pick 116 – RB Tyrone Tracy
The Colts lost running back Zack Moss in free agency and have a gaping hole behind Jonathan Taylor at running back. Tyrone Tracy is a good solid all round running back who also adds special teams value in his kick returning ability. Tracy is a former wide receiver turned running back with 4.4 speed and great burst when he hits the edge. He runs hard down hill and looks comfortable catching the ball out the backfield too. Tracy would make a good back up to Taylor and kick returning option from day 1.
Round 5 Pick 150 – SAF Dominique Hampton
Dominique Hampton is a fast, long, big defensive back who can play multiple positions in the secondary. Standing at 6’2, 215lbs with 33 1⁄4 arms which show up on his pass break ups on tape give the Colts secondary an athletic lump of clay to mould into what they need. He could line up at single high safety, split safety, in the box and nickel positions with the required athleticism for the positions.
Round 6 Pick 190 – OG Dalton Tucker
Colts fans all know that GM Chris Ballard loves a small school project at some point in his draft classes so here is one from Marshall in offensive lineman Dalton Tucker. Tucker, 6’7 and 319lbs is experienced, and durable with prototypical size and good athleticism. He will likely move inside to offensive guard at the pro level which provides depth for the Colts along the interior.
Round 7 Pick 234 – EDGE Trajan Jeffcoat
The Colts last pick in the draft goes on a long toolset edge defender from Arkansas. Jeffcoat is a work in progress but has shown some pass rush moves that still need to evolve. He uses a rip move effectively and has bend that will get better with increased hip flexibility. He does need to work on his leverage in the run game but that will develop as he works as a third down rusher early on.
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