After losing last year’s starter due to retirement, the Colts look to fill that hole by trading away a couple of draft picks to bring in Carson Wentz from Philadelphia. Indianapolis also made an attempt to bolster the offensive tackle position by bringing in the trio of Sam Tevi, Julién Davenport and Eric Fisher. Losing Denico Autry and Anthony Walker in free agency may end up hurting the Colts in the long run unless rookies Payne and Odeyingbo can make an early impact. This is one of the most well built teams in the league in my opinion outside of the QB position. All Wentz needs to do is perform slightly better than Rivers did last season for the Colts to get back to their winning ways.
DRAFT Picks
Round 1 Pick 21: Kwity Paye (EDGE, Michigan)
Round 2 Pick 46: Jackson Carman (OL, Clemson)
The Bengals traded down from the no.38 pick to go eight slots down and grab the former ACC All-American offensive tackle who will almost certainly move inside during his professional career. Carman brings plenty of power and a high football IQ while his areas that need improvement will likely be his hand placement and his tendency to lunge. I’m projecting Carman to be the day one starter at guard for the Bengals this upcoming season.
Round 2 Pick 54: David Odeyingbo (DE, Vanderbilt)
With a run on offensive linemen in the previous few picks, the Colts opted to go for the highest player on their board in Odeyingbo. In my opinion this pick may be a bit of a reach considering he suffered a torn Achilles in January. If he can make a full recovery from that injury, the Colts have themselves a player who can rush from anywhere on the line with effectiveness.
Round 4 Pick 127: Kylen Granson (TE, Southern Methodist)
A presumed insurance policy at TE for Indy, with Jack Doyle aging and Mo Allie-Cox not yet being an elite route runner. Granson can also be utilized in the slot and as an H-Back with some success.
Round 5 Pick 165 Shawn Davis (S, Florida)
if nothing else, Indy picks up a ball-hawking, hard-hitting safety in the back half of the draft that should be able to contribute in some form or fashion early on.
Round 6 Pick 218: Sam Ehlinger (QB)
I guess this was just another option to keep around should Carson Wentz miss time
Round 7 Pick 229: Mike Strachan (WR, Charleston (WV))
The Colts get a big bodied, small school touchdown machine in the seventh round.
Round 7 Pick 248: Will Fries (G, Penn State)
The Colts finally addressed their offensive line with this seventh round selection. Although Fries played some tackle in college, it’s hard for me to see him getting time anywhere but guard in the pros.
Predicted record: 10-7
Overall Grade: C+
