Jay’s Colts Mock Draft 1.0

Jay Robins mock drafts what the Colts could do in the 2024 NFL Draft. Could a surprise or two await Colts fans?

April has begun, which means the NFL Draft is under a month away! The Colts (as of now) have 7 picks, 1 for each round, for the 2024 NFL Draft. As of now they own just all of their own picks for the first time in years heading into the draft.

But knowing Ballard, expect the Colts to move around the board a bit to acquire value. There is always the chance for a trade up, which has netted in past Drafts:

• Defensive Lineman Tyquan Lewis
• Safety Khari Willis
• Running Back Jonathan Taylor
• Safety Nick Cross

However the Colts are more likely to trade down. These moves have made a much bigger impact on the Colts roster construction as it has netted the Colts:

2018 Draft Trade Back:

• Guard Quenton Nelson
• Right Tackle Braden Smith
• Defensive End Kemoko Turay
• Running Back Jordan Wilkins
• Cornerback Rock Ya Sin

2020 Draft Trade Back:

• Wide Receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
• Defensive End Ben Banogu
• Cornerback Marvell Tell

2022 Draft Trade Back:

• Wide Receiver Alec Pierce
• Left Tackle Bernhard Raimann
• Tight End Andrew Ogletree

2023 Draft Trade Back:

• Cornerback JuJu Brents
• Defensive Lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore

So how will this draft board movement affect the Colts in this draft?

Trade Proposal

Cincinnati Bengals Get:

• Round 1, 15th Overall Pick
• Round 3, 82nd Overall Pick
• Round 4, 117th Overall Pick

Indianapolis Colts Get:

• Round 1, 18th Overall Pick
• Round 2, 49th Overall Pick
• Round 3, 80th Overall Pick

Round 1, Pick 18: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

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It is no secret that the Colts need help in the Defensive backfield. Safety remains a need with neither Nick Cross nor Rodney Thomas II emerged as consistent starters yet. Daniel Scott is a complete unknown after a training camp injury cost him his entire rookie season. Julian Blackmon is back, but only on a 1 year deal.

At Corner, the Colts have Kenny Moore II returning as their slot for the next 3 years. Last years rookies JuJu Brents (Round 2) and Jaylon Jones (Round 7) showed flashes but some rookie struggles. Brents dealt with injuries throughout the season and early season starter Dallis Flowers is returning from an Achilles tear. No one has solidified themselves as a lockdown player (outside of Kenny in Slot), but there are a lot of interesting young pieces.

Enter Cooper DeJean, one of the most versatile players in the 2024 Draft class. Much speculation has been made about whether he is an outside Cornerback, slot Corner, or Safety at the NFL level. Of his 1,519 snaps from 2022-2023, 1,183 were as an outside Cornerback. He will likely stay there for most of his snaps early in his career, but can move around to different zones and positions if needed for different matchups.

Displaying some of the tackling & run support in this class, DeJean is a force against the run. From 2022-2023 he had 11 Tackles for Loss and 35 solo tackles while missing just 10 tackles. Combine this with arguably the best ball skills in the draft class (being a menace in Off-Zone with 7 Interceptions in the last 2 years, most in the 2024 draft class) & DeJean’s profile is very appealing to the Colts.

His high end athleticism landed him on Bruce Feldman’s Freak List. From the 2023 Freaks List:

When he held his own Pro Day last week, 1 month from being cleared from a November Fibula fracture, DeJean reaffirmed to everyone that he is healthy and an elite athlete.

DeJean being that level of an athlete (9.85 RAS) when healthy, a great scheme fit in Gus Bradley’s Zone Heavy scheme, and with reliable tackling paired with high end ball skills? Throw in Special Teams ability as a returner and coverage player? The upside for DeJean as a versatile chess piece or boundary Cornerback 1 in the right scheme is tantalizing, but the floor seems safe as well as long as his health checks out.

Round 2, Pick 46: Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State

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With the Colts being active in the pursuit of Free Agent Defensive End Danielle Hunter, it seems like they are willing to take a shot at upgrading their Edge Rush. Considering Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo are entering their final years of their rookie deals, it makes sense to ensure further depth in the rotation. The 2021 Round 1 & Round 2 Picks had 8-8.5 sacks in 2023 and are forces against the run, but neither was very consistent in pressure or pass rush win rate (Paye 10.4% = 69th/118 DEs, Odeyingbo 9.7% 77th/118 DEs). New 2023 Free Agent Pass Rusher Samson Ebukam & re-signed rotational Defensive Lineman Tyquan Lewis were more consistent pass rushers, each ranking inside the top 30 of DEs in Win %. In total, the Colts defense ranked 22nd in Pressure % (but 5th in Pass Rush Win Rate).

So if the Colts want one more rotational pass rusher to develop, provide depth, and some versatility, Penn State’s Adisa Isaac could be a Round 2 Target.

The Former Nitany Lion is another long armed (nearly 34”) highly explosive pass rusher with a great first step. On tape Isaac displays constant hand movement at the point of attacks, with rips, clubs, & chops galore. The hands can be violent and once he gets inside leverage he has a strong amount of power to bull rush Offensive Tackles. A Captain for Penn State, Isaac showed remarkable grit and determination to return as a starter in 2022 after a 2021 Achilles tear. His pass rush consistency and fluidity took a noticeable jump in 2023 as well with another year removed from his Achilles injury. Combine this with his ability to rush in 2 or 3 point stances, and he has some scheme versatility.

Isaac isn’t a perfect prospect though. He can be stiff at times in his rushes, not getting adequate bend to turn the corner on some more polished technical Tackles. This stiffness could be related to his 2021 Achilles tear, but there were strides in that regard as time went on. His Senior Bowl performance in particular was impressive, as he used his bend very well in drills to get quick wins. His other weakness is that while he does display good strength in his power moves, he is still a lighter defensive end who can get absorbed in run plays. He is a reliable tackler versus the run, but he needs a more powerful base to set the edge consistently.

The Colts could add Isaac to their pass rush rotation initially, but could see his role grow with further development & opportunity. Considering the Colts as of now have no Edge Rushers under contract for after the 2025 season, Isaac could be an investment in the position long term in case some combination of their top 4 Defensive Ends leave for Free Agency.

Add to all of this the team captain, leadership, and hardwork through adversity that Isaac has shown throughout his lifetime, and it’s not hard to see Chris Ballard wanting Isaac at 46. Isaac screams “Colt” in his profile and personality.

Trade Proposal

Dallas Cowboys Get:

• Round 2, 49th Overall Pick
• Round 6, 191st Overall Pick
• 2025 Round 4 Pick

Indianapolis Colts:

• Round 2, 56th Overall Pick
• Round 3, 87th Overall Pick

Round 2, Pick 56: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

The Colts invest back to back picks in their Defense, trying to shore up a unit that ranked 28th in Points & 20th in EPA per Play. Giving Gus Bradley further tools to use in his scheme could help raise the floor for the Colts expectations, considering their Offense was already 10th in scoring last year under year 1 of Shane Steichen despite the lengthy absences of Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor, Braden Smith, and Jelani Woods.

But don’t think the Colts will ignore the Offensive side of the ball entirely, as with their next pick the Colts reunite Anthony Richardson with one of his favorite collegiate targets: Ricky Pearsall.

Cut to Anthony Richardson’s likely reaction:

Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Pearsall is a very fun prospect to pair in the Colts Offense. He gives a potential threat at every level. Florida loved to use him in motion as he was an expert in using it (either to sell a fake jet sweep, surprise teams with a quick upfield start to his route, or in getting a sweep with some strong quick running), but also as a deep threat vertically. Highly athletic 9.91 RAS, Pearsall gives the Colts a decent sized, very quick, explosive, agile, and fast Weapon.

Pair his physical tools with some nice polish in the technical side of football, and Pearsall is an attractive Wide Receiver to add to the fray. The Former Gator runs precise routes, able to cut quickly and find the soft part of Zones or get separation in man. His hands are also some of the best in the class with a very low 3.8% career drop rate (3% in 2023). While he isn’t a great contested catch target due to his limits in play strength and length, he has made some impressive acrobatic catches as well.

Ultimately Pearsall fits the bill of what the Colts value in their Wide Receivers and can be an added threat at all 3 levels. A fun Slot/Z Wide Out who Colts fans should be elated to add. With some chemistry already established with Anthony Richardson as well, the fit could be enticing to say the least.

Round 3, Pick 80: Dominick Puni, G/T, Kansas

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For the first surprise pick in this mock, I have the Colts taking an Offensive Lineman on Day 3. Before you get out your pitchforks, let me explain the reasoning for why an Offensive Lineman could be needed:

• Starting Right Guard Will Fries will be an Unrestricted Free Agent after 2024.
• Starting Center Ryan Kelly will be an Unrestricted Free Agent after 2024.
• Backup Center/Guard Danny Pinter will be an Unrestricted Free Agent after 2024.
• Starting Right Tackle Braden Smith missed 5 games in 2021 and 7 games in 2023. This past year had Hip and Knee issues which cost 3 games each, the latter of whom required post-season surgery, as well as wrist and foot injuries earlier (1 game cost).
• The only backup Tackle on the roster who took major 2023 snaps was rookie 4th round pick Blake Freeland. He was a major downgrade in pass protection this last year. More depth needed.

The Colts decide to take Dominick Puni for needed depth and a potential long-term starter at Right Guard or Right Tackle. The versatile Lineman has experience at both Tackle spots and Left Guard on his college tape. He even took snaps as a Center in the Senior Bowl and did well in drill there. Puni is considered a bit of a tweener at his 6’5 height but paired with shorter arms. However the Colts are not afraid of having shorter armed Tackles, so he might have promise at that spot as well.

Puni has a strong athletic profile, with quick feet, smart spacial awareness, and fast hands to get the 1st strike in. He gets to the 2nd level very fast on run plays and is able use short area agility very effective on pulls. He would be a strong fit for a Zone heavy rushing attack and could be moved to a variety of spots.

As a pass blocker, Puni shows a lot of promise. He allowed only 8 pressures in 2023, displaying patience, awareness of stunts and responsibilities, a strong help block ability, and effectiveness against very fast twitchy rushers. He had issues with pad level which caused some issues with bull rushes at times. If he works on gaining mass to help his anchoring and or his bend to help his pad level, this issue will be diminished greatly.

Round 3, Pick 87: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech

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The Colts again invest in their defensive backfield with another versatile chess piece for Gus Bradley to use. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson gives the Colts a rangy and highly athletic Free Safety prospect who has experience in the box as well as slot. Another RAS Freak, the former Red Raider certainly looks like a Colt.

From 2021-2023, Taylor-Demerson has progressively gotten more productive and versatile. Every year he lowered his completion % allowed (68.3% to 54.8%), missed tackle rate (18.7% to 9.9%) and Yards After Catch per Reception (13.9 to 8.4). He gradually grew into an effective blitzer, notching 8 pressures in 2023. He broke up a nice 15 passes, got 9 interceptions, and allowed 6 Touchdowns in that 3 year span.

While his range, coverage instincts, fluidity, and ball skills are best suited for Free Safety, his versatility is certainly an asset. However his weaknesses can be more exposed at the other spots. He needs work as a tackler, as he is more of a trip tackler at players ankles. His power at the hit point is questionable, and not ideal for short yardage situations as a box or slot defender.

Expect Dadrion Taylor-Demerson to come in and compete for the starting Free Safety job, and if he wins it to be used at times interchangeably with Julian Blackmon in Strong or Free Safety roles depending on situation and matchup.

Round 5, Pick 151: Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue

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Versatility and athleticism have been the calling cards of this draft for the Colts. Why not add a freak athlete Wide Receiver turned Running Back to the team then?

Tracy is still a bit raw as a runner, only just converting to RB last season. However he has shown a phenomenal spacial awareness, slippery tackle breaking, and a fun blend of speed, acceleration, agility, and balance. Pair this with him already being a natural pass catcher and his abilities as a returner? Sign me up.

The Colts could use some depth behind Jonathan Taylor. Trey Sermon returns as an effective 2 down rusher with pass pro chops. Evan Hull is back after suffering an early season ending injury and could be the favorite to win the change of pace/receiving back job. Tracy should compete with Hull for that job, but with new kickoff rules should also potentially gain a role as one of the 2 kick off returners as well.

Round 7, Pick 234: Tylan Grable, T, Central Florida

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The Colts could use one more depth player for the Offensive Line and select Tylan Gramble to be a shot in the dark of a usable backup Left Tackle. Chris Ballard loves to go after highly athletic OTs: Braden Smith, Bernhard Raimann, Blake Freeland, Jake Witt. Why not take a shot on the highly athletic UCF Tackle at the end of the Draft?

Gramble showed solid pass protection in his final year at UCF with only 10 pressures allowed (and 0 Sacks) in 2023. Considering he is a very recent convert to a full time OT in his last 2 collegiate seasons as he was a tight end as well at Jacksonville State from 2020-2021, this improvement was remarkable.

Ballard does love Tight End to Offensive Line converts too (Pinter, Raimann, Freeland, Witt) so Gramble just feels like a natural shot in the dark for the Colts to make at the end of Day 3.