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NFL.com Believes Colts Must Draft Lockdown Defender, Big Play Receiver
An NFL draft pundit feel the Indianapolis Colts should select this duo of players to start the event.
With the 2024 NFL Draft mere days away, all 32 teams are preparing strategies for every pick and situation that could go down. For the Indianapolis Colts, this draft will likely be used to address several positional needs on the 53-man roster for the immediate, and future.
While the Colts currently have seven picks, the most important are arguably rounds one and two. According to NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter's piece on ideal top two picks for every squad, he selects players for the defense and offense.
Round 1: No. 15 overall: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
"Arnold's a fiery competitor who made plays all over the field for Alabama. He could focus on stopping outside receivers, with Kenny Moore II returning to the Colts to man the slot, though the rookie could handle those duties if needed, as well. Arnold’s 4.5 40 speed at the NFL Scouting Combine didn’t impress, but his excellent pro day cemented his top-20 status."
Round 2: No. 46 overall: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
"Legette's ability to get past smaller defenders with his long strides, along with his ability to body them up on short and intermediate routes, could get him on the field regularly for a team that relies heavily on three-receiver sets."
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The Colts undoubtedly will select a cornerback in the draft, likely early. For Reuter, Indy goes the way of dynamic prospect Terrion Arnold from Alabama. Arnold is one of the top cornerbacks in the draft and could be a solid day-one starter in Indianapolis.
Arnold's 2023 numbers are fantastic, posting Pro Football Focus defensive marks of 88.4 (overall), 90.6 (run defense), and 84.9 (coverage). Along with the grades, he finished his career at Alabama with 25 games, 108 tackles (7.5 for loss), six interceptions (five in 2023), and 20 passes defended. If Indy takes Arnold in the first round, he will likely line up on the other side of the defense with fellow cornerback JuJu Brents.
Outside of wide receiver, cornerback is arguably the top need for starting/depth talent, so getting Arnold is a big step in the right direction.
Entering round two, Reuter has Indy taking the incredibly explosive receiver out of South Carolina, Xavier Legette. For a player like Legette, the fit with quarterback Anthony Richardson makes beautiful sense for Shane Steichen's offensive philosophy. Legette was a Gamecock for five seasons and finally had a chance to erupt in 2023.
Last year, Legette played 12 games, caught 71 passes for 1,255 receiving yards (17.7 avg), and scored seven touchdowns. With excellent speed and a stocky frame, Legette can outrun plenty of coverage and overpower smaller defenders for catches.
While Legette hasn't been mentioned with the elite receivers in such a deep 2024 draft class, he is still one of the most intriguing fits with the Colts. A player like the South Carolina product would likely make an impact in a wideout room with Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce.
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