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 first defensive player chosen in the 2024 draft class, showed initial promise with 4.0 total sacks, 38 total QB pressures, and 3 forced fumbles as a rookie edge rusher.
However, as “the most polished and NFL ready pass rusher in this year’s class” didn’t necessarily consistently make a high-level impact the way Colts fans may have ideally hoped for. I thought he was solid, but he didn’t have future Hall of Famer Dwight Freeney’s rookie season of 13.0 sacks and 9 forced fumbles back in 2002 either—who you knew was going to be a future pass rushing superstar.
Compared to other pass rushers in this year’s class like the Los Angeles Rams Jared Verse, who was taken after him, you have to wonder if he has the same ceiling for continued growth and development athletically—or whether it’s more of what you see right now is essentially what you’re going to get moving forward (with the slight ability for improvement).
Both Goncalves and Bortolini project to eventually become full-time starters along the Colts offensive line (*as soon as 2025)—at right tackle and center most likely respectively. Both held their own as rookie offensive linemen when called upon in limited spot-starts.
Otherwise, linebacker Jaylon Carlies has the chance to eventually replace free agent starter E.J. Speed and should at least continue to provide coverage value in subpackages—while Anthony Gould fulfills a useful returner’s role on special teams and as an occasional receiving deep threat going forward.
Obviously, if the Colts rookie class continues to grow and develop, they can improve upon this ranking going forward—which remains entirely fluid. However, as it stands, it’s hard to be too upset with this slightly below average ranking right now given the initial results.