Colts Star Snubbed on Top Draft Steals of Last 10 Years List

The Indianapolis Colts have had their fair share of solid draft picks; one of them surfaced on a “draft steals” list, while another was forgotten completely.

The NFL draft will always have players taken that initially might not cause a lot of noise. However, down the road, these same players can be thought of as a “value pick” should they end up making an impact on their respective rosters.

On a recent list from ESPN’s Matt Miller and Jordan Reid titled “Ranking the 50 Biggest NFL Draft Steals of the Past Decade,” a familiar name for the Indianapolis Colts lands on the list. However, and perhaps the bigger story here is a certain name that was excluded.

It’s time to discuss both.

The Praise: Shaquille Leonard | LB (#22)

It’s not a secret anymore how vicious of a turnover machine the Colts’ Shaquille Leonard is. To not include “The Maniac” would be ridiculous.

Outside of 2022, when he struggled with a nerve injury in his lower back, he has been lights out yearly. Since 2018, he has notched three Pro Bowls and First Team All-Pros, as well as the 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Also, he’s done incredible work statistically. Below are Leonard’s career numbers.

• 61 games
• 549 tackles (Led the NFL in 2018 as a rookie with 163)
• 12 interceptions
• 17 fumbles forced (Led the NFL with eight in 2021)
• 31 passes defended
• 30 tackles for loss

Getting a linebacker of this magnitude is a game-changer for any defense. Leonard could be considered a first-round pick at this point, given what he’s put together.

With 2023 ahead, it will be everyone’s wish to see Leonard return to healthy form. With him on the field for the Colts, it elevates their defensive efficiency and increases the chances for turnovers.

Leonard should be on this list. However, there is another playmaker on the other side of the ball that isn’t included, and it’s criminal.

The Snub: Jonathan Taylor | RB

Names like Derrick Henry (#5), Alvin Kamara (#13), Le’Veon Bell (#20), Nick Chubb (#25), and Dalvin Cook (#35) grace this list. Why isn’t Jonathan Taylor anywhere to be found?

To exclude the 2021 rushing champion is interesting, to say the least.

Taylor was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2020 draft out of Wisconsin and put the league on notice quickly.

After starting on a torrid heater in his rookie year, collecting 1,169 rushing yards, 12 total touchdowns, and a 5.0 rushing average, Taylor turned into a superhuman.

2021 brought a near MVP performance, with Taylor leading the NFL in attempts (332), rushing yards (1,811), rushing TDs (18), total TDs (20), yards from scrimmage (2,171), and rushing yards per contest (106.5). This was one of the greatest performances by a running back in Colts franchise history. Ultimately, it led to a 9-8 record and playoffs being missed.

Next was the disastrous, Matt Ryan-led 2022 season. This is where Taylor would be stopped by an ankle injury and would perform far below his illustrious standards.

To exclude Taylor from this list and include so many other stars who arguably aren’t on the same level is confusing. Taylor’s presence in the backfield with a dynamic and athletic QB like Anthony Richardson is something that defenses aren’t looking forward to.

At any given moment, Taylor could be considered the best running back in the NFL with his potential to break loose and leave defenders gasping for air trying to chase him. He should be on this list, plain and simple.

Perhaps 50 names are far too many to account for? It’s possible. But, to not have one of the most dangerous offensive weapons that were taken in the second round absent from this list is highly perplexing. Maybe with another big year in 2023, Taylor can get on the next collection of names for draft steals.

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