The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books. The Indianapolis Colts wound up selecting nine players this weekend. Leading up to the draft, there was plenty of chatter about the team trading up for a dynamic pass-catcher. However, they never made a blockbuster deal to land Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. or Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. Instead, the Colts kept the 15th overall pick and selected UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu. Who were the other eight players taken and what grades did each selection receive?
Indianapolis Colts 2024 NFL Draft Grades
Round 1, No. 15: UCLA DE Laiatu Latu
Most mock drafts had the Colts taking either a cornerback like Alabama’s Terrion Arnold or a wide receiver like Brian Thomas Jr. Yet, general manager Chris Ballard shocked fans by selecting a defensive end.
Latu was the first defensive player taken in this year’s draft. While the Colts could use another pass rusher, it would’ve made more sense to grab a cornerback, their biggest weakness.
Latu returned from a medical retirement after a neck injury during his time at Washington. If he can continue to stay healthy, he can become a great player on the Colts’ defense.
Grade: B+
Round 2, No. 52: Texas WR Adonai Mitchell
Ballard traded down in the second round, moving from pick 46 to 52. He landed picks 142 and 155 in the fifth round.
The Colts needed an exciting receiver to team with Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce. They got their guy in Adonai Mitchell at pick No. 52. He’ll instantly give quarterback Anthony Richardson another offensive weapon to work with.
Grade: A+
Round 3, No. 79: Pittsburgh OT Matt Goncalves
Grade: B
Round 4, No. 117: Wisconsin IOL Tanor Bortolini
With the second consecutive pick, the Colts addressed the offensive line. Tanor Bortolini played all three interior positions with the Wisconsin Badgers during his career.
Will Fries and Ryan Kelly become free agents in 2025. With that said, the Bortolini pick makes a lot of sense.
Grade: B
Round 5, No. 142: Oregon State WR Anthony Gould
The Colts took a receiver earlier in Mitchell. Then they went out and got another one in Anthony Gould.
Gould is a solid wideout. Last season at Oregon State, he caught 44 passes for 718 yards. Yet, he’s expected to replace Isaiah McKenzie as a punt returner in Indianapolis.
Grade: B
Round 5, No. 151: Missouri S/LB Jaylon Carlies
Jaylon Carlies is a versatile defensive player who can contribute at both the safety and linebacker positions. The Missouri star had an 8.26 RAS score.
Carlies is expected to play special teams. He could also serve as a coverage linebacker in Gus Bradley’s system.
Grade: C+
Round 5, No. 164: Auburn S Jaylin Simpson
The Colts went with another safety. That’s good because they needed to address the position.
Julian Blackmon was re-signed earlier this offseason. He will start at strong safety, but the free safety spot is up for grabs. Jaylin Simpson, who recorded four interceptions last season at Auburn, will compete for the FS job next season.
Grade: B-
Round 6, No. 201: Marshall CB Micah Abraham
Indianapolis was guaranteed to draft at least one cornerback. Although they waited until the sixth round, the team took a decent DB in Micah Abraham.
The star out of Marshall was a two-time First-Team All-Sum Belt Conference honoree. He had 42 passes defended and 12 interceptions during his career.
Grade: B-
Round 7, No. 234: Oklahoma IDL Jonah Laulu
The Colts ended their NFL draft by selecting defensive tackle Jonah Laulu. The Las Vegas native spent his collegiate career at both Hawaii and Oklahoma.
Laulu had an impressive 9.62 RAS score. He’s expected to be a special teams contributor for the Colts.
Grade: C
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
