Stampede Blue
The Colts’ 2024 draft class initially looks like it could be a solid haul, even if it may ultimately prove to be unspectacular in time.
According to NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice, the Indianapolis Colts so far have the 20th best (C+ grade) 2024 NFL Draft Class following an end-of-season ranking among all of the league’s thirty-two teams:
20. Indianapolis Colts
Class grade: C+
Round 1
(No. 15) Laiatu Latu, DE | 17 games/1 start
Round 2
(52) Adonai Mitchell, WR | 17 games/7 starts
Round 3
(79) Matt Goncalves, OT | 17 games/8 starts
Round 4
(117) Tanor Bortolini , IOL | 12 games/5 starts
Round 5
(142) Anthony Gould, WR | 8 games/0 starts
(151) Jaylon Carlies, LB | 10 games/ 6 starts
(164) Jaylin Simpson, S | 0 games/starts (w/ NYJ)
Round 6
(201) Micah Abraham, CB | 0 games/starts (w/ CIN)
Round 7
(234) Jonah Laulu, DT | 0 games/starts (17 games w/ LV)
Notable free agent signees
Dalton Tucker, OG | 14 games/7 starts
After the 2024 draft kicked off with an unprecedented run of 14 straight offensive selections, Chris Ballard had his pick of the defensive litter. The Colts GM gladly scooped up Laiatu Latu, memorably cackling as he pronounced, “We got the best f---ing rusher in the draft!” That wasn’t exactly the case in Year 1, as Rams edge Jared Verse — selected four picks after Latu — rampaged his way to Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Latu did show some pass-rushing chops, though, as Next Gen Stats credited him with a respectable 42 pressures to go along with four sacks and three forced fumbles. He wasn’t great, he wasn’t lousy, he was ... solid. That descriptor largely sums up this draft class for Indianapolis. Matt Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini both showed promise as injury replacements on the offensive line, which is notable, with C Ryan Kelly and RG Will Fries now a month away from free agency. Meanwhile, converted safety Jaylon Carlies gave the Colts quality coverage at the linebacker position. The one truly disappointing pick was Adonai Mitchell. Ballard went to bat for the second-round pick, colorfully disparaging pre-draft questions about Mitchell’s attitude, but the wide receiver was largely MIA in Year 1.
Between pass rusher Laiatu Latu (15th overall), Matt Goncalves (79th pick), and Tanor Bortolini (117th overall), the Colts look like they’ve found three young players who should develop into at least solid starting regulars going forward—which is no small feat.
That being said, the draft looks like it may have failed to address a Colts roster that was already lacking elite NFL talent at premium positions—although AD Mitchell still has the talent/ability to turn this draft class around with improved maturity, preparation, and focus.
Latu, as the...
