The State of the Colts:
The Colts had a very up and down 2021 campaign that ultimately ended with disappointment as the team missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.
Major change came in the form of the team addressing their two biggest needs early in the offseason: quarterback and edge rusher. General manager Chris Ballard acquired veteran Matt Ryan, and brought in star edge Yannick Ngakoue to fix the teams’ lack of pass rush.
After these high profile offseason moves they still have major question marks at cornerback, offensive line depth, and most notably, pass catching weapons. They have only two Top 100 picks in this draft due to the Carson Wentz trade last offseason, but could be poised to make additions that will be counted on to help the team immediately at 42 and 73.
#42 Overall
Pickens is a big-bodied, big-play threat whose hands, tracking ability and competitiveness will make him a consistent contributor, especially once he learns an NFL route tree and if he becomes more dynamic after the catch.
Pickens could immediately step in as the number two option and play opposite of Michael Pittman Jr. to give the Colts two big receivers with alpha mentalities on the outside.
Dulcich isn’t the shiftiest route runner or most technically refined run blocker, but he’s a converted wide receiver with good competitive toughness and the strong all-around skill set of a potential starter.
There is a chance that all the top wide receivers in the draft will be gone by this point. This could cause the Colts to look to tight end and take Dulcich to help add firepower to a room that recently lost Jack Doyle to retirement.
Skyy Moore – WR – Western Michigan
Moore is a lightning-quick receiver with room to grow and the innate skills that allow him to be a dynamic playmaker for a creative offense at the next level, especially if his refinement and development go as planned.
The Colts find themselves lacking in receivers that can operate mostly out of the slot with the offseason departures of T.Y. Hilton and Zach Pascal. Moore gives them a quick and shifty option that can get work underneath while still having enough speed to stretch the defense.
#73 Overall
Woolen’s gliding strides, elite athleticism, and superior length are difficult traits to teach, but he needs to match his play strength to his size and continue growing his natural coverage skills and comfortability to reach his high ceiling.
New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s Cover 3 scheme offers a nice fit for Woolen. He has the length and athleticism that both Chris Ballard and Gus Bradley love, offering a high upside option to help alleviate the lack of depth at corner.
Pierce has the size, speed, and big-play ability that teams want in an outside receiver, but his inability to consistently win 50/50 balls will limit his appeal to be a game-changing receiver.
Pierce could consistently stretch the field for the Colts and offer big-play ability as he develops into a complete receiver.
Rasheed Walker – OT – Penn State
Walker has the size, strength, temperament, and overall physical abilities of an NFL left tackle, but he needs to refine his perimeter pass blocking awareness, quickness and lower-body technique to hold up there consistently.
Walker would provide the team with much needed tackle depth while also providing competition for veteran tackle Matt Pryor, as well as offering a potential option at starter down the road.
