Stampede Blue
With the 2017 through 2023 classes already reviewed, the next stop in the Chris Ballard draft review series is 2024. This one needs to be handled a little differently because it is still early.
For the older classes, enough time has passed to make firmer judgments. With this group, the players are only two years into their careers, so these should be viewed more as progress grades than final grades. Players can still improve, fall off, change roles, or completely alter how this class is remembered over the next few seasons.
That said, we can still judge what the Colts have gotten so far.
The early returns are mixed. Laiatu Latu looks like a quality starting edge rusher and a player the defensive line can build around. Matt Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini have already given the Colts starting-level play on the offensive line. Anthony Gould has contributed as a returner. Jaylon Carlies has provided some depth and special teams work.
But the Adonai Mitchell pick was a massive miss for Indianapolis, and the bottom of the class has not given them anything to this point.
Latu has been a very good pick so far.
He came into the league with high expectations as the first defensive player selected in the draft, and while he has not become a superstar yet, he has clearly become an impact starter. His sophomore season was a major step forward, as he finished with 8.5 sacks and doubled his rookie production.
Latu is a threat off the edge and someone opposing offenses have to account for. He has enough pass-rushing ability to win on his own, and he gives the Colts a young player they can build the defensive line around moving forward.
The only reason this is not higher is that the expectations are different when you are the first defensive player taken in a draft. You are hoping for a star. Latu is not quite there yet, but he is still a very good player through two seasons.
Progress Grade: A-
Mitchell was a major disappointment in Indianapolis.
Some will blame Shane Steichen for how things played out, and there may be some truth to that. However, this series is grading what the Colts actually got out of the pick, and the return was extremely poor.
Mitchell never became the player the Colts hoped he would be. His time with the team was frustrating, and if anything, his mistakes actively hurt them, including a costly performance against the Rams. Maybe he becomes a star with the Jets… maybe a change of scenery unlocks him. That that does not change what happened in Indianapolis.
A second-round pick being off the roster after two seasons is a big failure.
Progress Grade: F
Goncalves was probably the weakest starter on the offensive line last season, but that still says...
