Even with No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson sidelined for most of the 2023 season, the Indianapolis Colts finished with a respectable 9-8 record. What can Shane Steichen do with Richardson under center for a full season and a 2024 NFL Draft haul that received a range of grades?
Indianapolis Colts NFL Draft Grades
Round 1, Pick 15: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Colts had quite literally every defensive player available at No. 15, but they went with UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu. Pairing him with Kwity Paye and DeForest Buckner will result in heightened sack totals in Indianapolis, as Latu is one of — if not the — best pass rushers in the class with elite bend and finishing ability around the arc.
Grade: A
Laiatu Latu has the upside of a true game-wrecker at the next level. 😤#GoBruins | #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/Fa4DOO0TwQ
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 26, 2024
Round 2, Pick 52: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Adonai Mitchell has first-round talent, so to get him in the middle of Round 2 is excellent value. Josh Downs is a weapon from the slot. Michael Pittman Jr. is the possession X. Alec Pierce can step in and stretch the field.
But now, Anthony Richardson has a WR who can separate against man coverage and make his life easier downfield. The red zone just got a whole lot bigger for Indianapolis with Mitchell’s presence in the lineup.
Grade: A+
Adonai Mitchell is a big-play threat with elite route-running upside. 🔥#HookEm | #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/qG5oJDerc2
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 27, 2024
Round 3, Pick 79: Matt Goncalves, OT, Pitt
OTs flew off the board on Day 2, forcing Indy to trade up and take the best available option in Pitt’s Matt Goncalves. But did they need to? They already have three tackles rostered in Braden Smith, Bernhard Raimann, and Blake Freeland. Even at guard, Will Fries and Quenton Nelson are starting.
Regardless, Goncalves provides depth at the very least and is a potential starter at his ceiling, which is never a wasted pick.
Grade: C-
Round 4, Pick 117: Tanor Bortolini, OL, Wisconsin
Ryan Kelly isn’t getting any younger and is in the final year of his contract. Tanor Bortolini future-proofs the position and will only improve with a year of learning behind Kelly.
Grade: B+
Round 5, Pick 142: Anthony Gould, WR, Oregon State
The Colts secured their WR corps by adding Anthony Gould after taking Mitchell on Day 2.
Gould is a direct backup to Downs in the slot and will provide special-teams value as a kick/punt returner in Year 1.
Grade: B
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Grades For All 32 Teams
Round 5, Pick 151: Jaylon Carlies, S, Missouri
At nearly 6’3” and 230 pounds, Jaylon Carlies is more linebacker than safety. Gus Bradley will maximize his skill set in the box, covering tight ends/big slots and blitzing the QB.
Grade: B
Round 5, Pick 164: Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn
Jaylin Simpson pairs well with Carlies, operating more as a deep safety with the versatility to line up in the slot.
His size caps his ceiling, but his ball skills and mobility highlight his profile.
Grade: B-
Round 6, Pick 201: Micah Abraham, CB, Marshall
Carlies and Simpson bolster the safety unit, but the Colts finally dipped into the CB well with Micah Abraham.
Although he is on the smaller side at the position, Abraham generated eye-popping ball production in college and has the speed to keep up with NFL WRs.
Grade: B
Round 7, Pick 234: Jonah Laulu, DT, Oklahoma
It’s hard to grade a seventh-round pick harshly, but there were at least five-plus DTs with a higher rating than Jonah Laulu.
His massive 6’5”, 292-pound frame should hold up well on the interior, but he struggles to wrap up and doesn’t have much in his pass-rush toolbox.
Grade: D+
Indianapolis Colts 2024 NFL Draft Summary
The Latu and Mitchell picks buoy the class, but Bortolini and a string of DB selections also raise the value.
KEEP READING: Colts UDFA Signings and Rookie Camp Invites
Even Goncalves and Laulu, who received C- or lower grades, could build productive careers in Indy. GM Chris Ballard obviously had a plan entering the draft, and he executed it.
Overall Grade: A