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The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2024 NFL Draft looking to complete their rebuild and contend in the AFC with star young quarterback Anthony Richardson healthy entering his second year. With a mix of high-upside picks and some valuable depth additions, the Colts’ draft class shows promise and potential for the future.
Round 1: Laiatu Latu, EDGE – Grade: A+
The Colts started things off with Laiatu Latu, who was one of my favorite players in the entire draft. I had Latu ranked as the best pass rusher and the best overall defender in this class very early in the draft cycle, so seeing both of these come true was an enjoyable moment for me. This was one of my favorite picks in the first round. The Colts desperately needed a true number-one pass-rushing threat, and I think Latu can come in and be that right away.
Round 2: Adonai Mitchell, WR – Grade: A+
Adonai Mitchell was one of the more polarizing draft prospects this year, and a guy that I actually took the leap and planted my flag on. Mitchell was my wide receiver 4 in this draft class, and I think he has a massive ceiling. I believe Mitchell can come in and beat out Alec Pierce for the vertical threat in this offense and has the potential to be a CeeDee Lamb-esque threat at his ceiling.
Round 3: Matt Goncalves, OT – Grade: C+
Matt Goncalves was a bit of a reach. I had closer to an early 5th-round grade on him than the mid-3rd he was taken at. Nonetheless, he is a good athlete and versatile. This pick is not the end of the world, but probably not what I would have done.
Round 4: Tanor Bortolini, C – Grade: A-
The Colts picked up Tanor Bortolini in the 4th round, who I thought went right where he should have. An obvious fit for the Colts, Bortolini is a super-elite athlete and combine warrior who had solid tape too. I think he has the upside to be the long-term center for the Colts.
Round 5: Anthony Gould, WR – Grade: A-
Anthony Gould is really good depth and a fun player here in the 5th round. He should instantly slide in as the backup behind Josh Downs in the slot and provide value as a returner. This pick is not screaming value or upside, but it is a very strong depth addition.
Round 5: Jaylon Carlies, LB – Grade: A-
Jaylon Carlies is a fun upside dart at this pick. A safety at Missouri, he is an elite athlete transitioning to linebacker, I assume, at the next level. This position change makes for a somewhat challenging evaluation, but I’m very intrigued by his upside. He has a solid floor as a special teamer due to his athletic traits and abilities.
Round 5: Jaylin Simpson, S – Grade: B+
Jaylin Simpson is a small cover safety from Auburn. He doesn’t offer much in the run game due to his size but could potentially be a useful coverage player and special teamer.
Round 6: Micah Abraham, CB – Grade: B+
Micah Abraham was a bit of a shock to me, not because of the caliber of the player, but because the Colts actually drafted a guy with poor athletic testing. In all seriousness, Abraham is solid slot corner depth, and this is right about where I had him graded.
Round 7: Jonah Laulu, IDL – Grade: A-
The Colts rounded out this class with Jonah Laulu, one of the better-testing interior defensive linemen in the draft. He fits the mold of interior guys that they like at the position. I like this fit a lot and the upside of Laulu.
Final Grade: A-
