Draft Analysis: Indianapolis Colts Triple Dip at CB

The most significant need for the Indianapolis Colts coming into the NFL draft was a quarterback, first and foremost. However, closely following was a whittled-down and thin cornerback group.

After the departure of veteran safety net Stephon Gilmore, only Kenny Moore II and Isaiah Rodgers Sr. were the notable names on the depth chart. Colts general manager Chris Ballard had a plan for filling this spot with talent.

With this subject laid out, it’s time to dive into the details of each pick, what its impact could be for the Colts, and why this was a great performance from the Colts’ front office to get the young defensive back trifecta.

Julius Brents - Round 2 Pick 44

Originally, the Colts had the No.35 pick in the second round. However, while many thought they would select Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo, Indy had other plans.

First, they would trade back with the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire a fifth-round pick (No.141). Then, they would trade back again with the Atlanta Falcons to acquire a fourth-round pick (No.110).

With the now No. 44 pick, the Colts snagged the highly-athletic Julius Brents from Kansas State. Given the traits and the zone fit for defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, this was someone that Ballard likely had in mind anyway.

To trade back twice, acquire two more picks, and still get Brents that late in the second round is a great move.

Indy would find their next corner falling a few rounds back from a third-round grade.

Darius Rush - Round 5 Pick 138

Even after grabbing a high-ceiling defensive back like Brents, the Colts still hurt for depth. No better circumstance to be in than needing a cornerback and having one fall in the draft. This is what happened with South Carolina’s Darius Rush.

Another good fit for the Bradley scheme, Rush was projected by many as a third-round prospect. But the Colts sat back and found him in the fifth round.

While Rush might not be as day-one-ready as Brents, he can still make an impact early as a rookie and has the potential to start. Whether that is this year or not, Rush is a great find this late in the draft and adds more competition to the cornerback committee.

The final defensive back taken is more of a flyer, but it still was a bargain snag for the Colts.

Jaylon Jones - Round 7 Pick 221

Jaylon Jones is the wild card of the three. While playing at Texas A&M, Jones was good enough that he was slated as more of a fifth-rounder. Yet again, the Colts got more depth and at a clearance selection.

Jones isn’t the fastest but is 6’2” and 200 pounds, excelling more in man than zone as a physical presence. He must brush up on that area of his game to stand out as a seventh-rounder. But, with the Colts walking into the draft so light at the corner, Jones may surprise some and see important snaps.

He’ll likely start on special teams, the practice squad, or best-case, he’ll see packages as DB or safety.

Outlook

The Colts should be proud of their draft. They started with a total of nine picks and ended up with 12. Three of these picks addressed the most critical position needed on defense. These are three high-upside players that can make an immediate impact or will need to learn a bit and could bloom later in the process.

Regardless of when they play, the Colts have to feel better about the defensive back position after the haul they grabbed in Kansas City.

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