The 2023 Houston Texans were so good and so much better than the Indianapolis Colts in the same division that it’s easy to forget about their turnaround. After having the fourth overall pick in the previous year’s draft, the Colts turned around their dismal 4-12-1 record in 2022 to a 9-8 record and a close call to the postseason in 2023.
With Gardner Minshew at quarterback for the majority of the season, new head coach Shane Steichen achieved that, but with all due respect to Minshew, Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ first-round pick from the previous year, seems like a little better for the future.
In the next AFC South season, how can the Colts spoil the Texans’ parade? In order to make that happen, let’s examine what they ought to do in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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1. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU, 15th overall
Even if the Colts recently signed Michael Pittman Jr. to a long-term contract, things at wide receiver don’t necessarily need to change. Almost every player in an Indianapolis Colts mock draft has a high “RAS” score, which is a recurring pattern. The Colts have relied more on RAS (Relative Athletic Score) than almost any other NFL team.
And Brian Thomas is a natural athlete. With Thomas in the mix, the Colts might have to deal Alec Pierce to the highest bidder, but this seems like the most likely route the team will go in the first round, barring defensive back. Assist that youthful quarterback with a dynamic, big-time playmaker.
2. Iowa DB Cooper DeJean, ranked 27th overall (expected trade with the Cardinals) Indianapolis Colts Logo
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The Colts could be able to pull off a deal a lot like the one the Vikings and Texans just completed. Why not? Why wouldn’t the Colts take such action if they believe they can satisfy several key needs and have a few guys in the top 25 on their overall roster?
It would be fantastic for the Colts to have Cooper DeJean back in the fold. The Colts would line him up in the slot with Kenny Moore and JuJu Brents, providing them with a strong, athletic trio at cornerback.
Third overall: TCU’s Jared Wiley, TE
Who doesn’t enjoy a quality tight end in the third round? To be honest, it’s really difficult to predict where the tight end market will land in the draft this year. At number 82 overall, the Colts might not be able to select a player of Wiley’s caliber, but if they are able to select Jared Wiley, that could be the perfect situation.
According to some, Wiley is this year’s second-best tight end in the class, behind Brock Bowers. He’s athletic, six foot seven, and just had a season in which he caught 54 passes for eight touchdowns.
4. Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State, finished 117th overall.
You want to target players on the third day of the 2024 NFL Draft who you think can contribute right away to special teams and, ideally, become a regular in your rotation by the second year. Before making a decision on a player on Day 3, the Colts have invited Jarrian Jones to Indianapolis for an official “top 30” visit. These trips frequently serve as a means of obtaining last-minute answers.
It might also be misdirection.
In this instance, I believe the Colts are genuinely interested in Jarrian Jones. Because of his athleticism, he can play on the outside, in the slot, and on special teams.
5. Louisville’s Isaac Guerendo, RB, came in 151st overall.
This year’s draft offers the Colts the chance to add depth behind Jonathan Taylor, and running back Isaac Guerendo of Louisville has gained a lot of attention from the NFL Draft community. Guerendo, who transferred from Wisconsin, has outstanding speed and physical attributes. Last season, he amassed over 1,000 yards from scrimmage.
Strangely enough, Guerendo and Taylor were teammates when they were still with the Badgers. Guerendo took a little longer to find his footing in college, but he did so right before the NFL snapped at his heels.
6. Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton, 191st overall
Imagine Joe Milton and Anthony Richardson on the same roster for the Indianapolis Colts.
To put it mildly, it is a great deal of arm skill.
In this year’s class, Joe Milton is an intriguing Day 3 quarterback possibility. Although he undoubtedly possesses an NFL-caliber arm, will he be able to control it and advance his skill to a new level? Shane Steichen, the quarterback whisperer, appears to be the one who can make the most of his skill. Steichen has experience working with a variety of quarterbacks, so joining the Colts might be advantageous for both parties. If Anthony Richardson ever went down, Milton would be able to work with Steichen and the Colts could keep the playbook exactly the same for him.
7. EDGE’s Eric Watts, ranked 234th overall at UConn
The Colts take a chance on Eric Watts, a defensive lineman from UConn, in the seventh round. Watts has the potential to play at the next level as an EDGE or even as a guy who can move about the defensive line.
Throughout his tenure with the Huskies, he recorded 153 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. He had some impressive off-season exercise results, and on Day 3, he might make a fantastic dart throw.
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