Wednesday, May 9, 2018

2018 NFL Draft Grades: Indianapolis Colts

Without Andrew Luck for the 2017 season, the Colts pretty much had no shot from the start and finished 4-12, yet they strangely onoy had four needs listed for this draft...WR, OL, DL, and LB. Believe me when I tell you that the Colts would not have won had Luck been in play with their roster last season. The problems go far deeper. Here are my pick grades for the Colts:

OG Quentin Nelson, Notre Dame
If Luck is to return and stay on his feet this season, this pick was essential. Could have had Chubb, but Nelson was more important.
Grade: A

OLB Darius Leonard, South Carolina State
Graded as a late 2nd round pick, Leonard was reached on a bit for a mysterious FCS commodity player. He has some potential, however, so breaks are given.
Grade: B

OG Braden Smith, Auburn
He could be another rookie starter on the line for the Colts in 2018, and so more protection for Luck was a good thing with this pick.
Grade: A

EDGE Kemoko Turay, Rutgers
If he is used right, he could be one of the dark horse draft picks of 2018. He needs to be moved about to succeed, but is worth the risk.
Grade: A

DE Tyquan Lewis, Ohio State
The last of 4 2nd round picks, Lewis was graded as a 3rd rounder, but being the Colts had no 3rd round picks. they felt justified in the reach. He has starter potential, so again, breaks are given.
Grade: B

RB Nyheim Hines, NC State
Colts got another future starter in the 4th round with a guy who had a 3rd round grade. The hits just kept on coming at this point.
Grade: A

WR Daurice Fountain, Northern Iowa
Fountain was one of those FCS darling players coming up in this class, and his grade settled in the 5th round. Colts got a solid pick here for depth, and he could develop into something bigger down the road.
Grade: A

RB Jordan Wilkins, Ole Miss
After drafting Hines, there was no need to draft Wilkins here, especially when they reached badly to get him.
Grade: D

WR Deon Cain, Clemson
Cain was overrated with a 2nd round grade, but as a 6th rounder, he has solid value as someone who could be developed. If he can get it all together, he could have a solid future.
Grade: A

LB Matthew Adams, Houston
A throw away pick here. He was not graded, and likely will have a tough time making cuts in camp.
Grade: F

LB Zaire Franklin, Syracuse
Again, he was not graded, and the Colts got very lazy with their 7th round picks.
Grade: F

Total needs filled in first two days: 4
Total Points: 31
Average points per pick: 2.82
Grade: C+

No comments:

Post a Comment