The Indianapolis Colts have a promising rookie class on their roster with a high ceiling for development.
The Indianapolis Colts used the 2024 NFL Draft to address roster needs and recruit promising young players. During the three-day draft, the Colts acquired nine new players with potential to contribute to the team’s future success.
With that in mind, it’s time to check into some way-too-early projections for the Colts draft class as the 2024 off-season begins. Here are five that could go down, in order of when the player was selected.
The city of Detroit shines by hosting the 2024 NFL draft.
UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) battles against the San Diego State Aztecs.
1.) Laiatu Latu: 10+ sacks and 50+ QB pressures.
Laiatu Latu’s pick was a steal at 15th overall. Latu joins DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Kwayy Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis on Indianapolis’ formidable defensive line.
After demolishing opponents at UCLA in 2022 and 2023, it’s difficult to picture Latu not busting out as a rookie, especially with the talented Colts defensive front behind him. With Charlie Partridge at the helm, I believe Latu has the potential to be a threat to offensive lines.
I estimate 11.5 sacks and 53 quarterback pressures through 16-17 games. Latu is one of the most polished pass rushers in recent drafts, with 62 pressures, 36 hurries, and consistent disruptions for UCLA in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus. This ceiling of potential, along with who is around him, might earn Latu the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honour.
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) catches a touchdown against the Washington Huskies.
2.) Adonai Mitchell: 80+ targets, catching 70% of more passes
Indy’s draft board had two Texas Longhorn wide receivers, Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell. While Worthy appeared to be a more seasoned and explosive fit for Shane Steichen’s offensive ambitions, Mitchell has superior size, hands, and route running ability. It’s also possible that his NFL ceiling is higher than Worthy’s.
Pittsburgh Panthers offensive lineman Matt Goncalves (76) blocks against the Duke Blue Devils.
3.) Matt Goncalves: Starter at RG by end of 2024 season.
Many expected Indianapolis to utilise the third round to draft a cornerback, safety, or another playmaker, similar to the Latu selection. However, they traded up in round three with the Arizona Cardinals to pick Pittsburgh Panthers offensive tackle Matt Gonçalves.
Despite only playing three games in 2023 due to a toe injury, Indy believed Goncalves’ struggles were a thing of the past and remained optimistic about his potential.
Goncalves has the ability to move inside as a guard and help the Colts in a variety of offensive line positions. With the talent and contract of left guard Quenton Nelson, Goncalves will have the option to play with Will Fries on the right.
Fries had a good 2023, but he is also playing with Pro Bowl and All-Pro quality. Given the high cost of the veterans, Indianapolis is unlikely to pay Fries, leaving the door open for Goncalves in the long and short term.
Given Goncalves’ pass-protecting talents and general skill level, I believe he will eventually beat out Fries for the starting position. It’s tough to pinpoint specific game or scenario, but the current state of impending contracts indicates a significant potential for Goncalves to live up to his third-round selection.
Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Anthony Gould (2) runs with the ball against the Stanford Cardinal.
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4.) Anthony Gould: Score two or more return touchdowns.
The Colts selected Anthony Gould from Oregon State as their second receiver in round five (pick 142). However, this pick is primarily in response to the new kickoff rules, which emphasise the significance of having a reliable returner. This is where the Gould pick will provide excellent value.
Gould, like former Colts receiver Isaiah McKenzie, is roughly 5’8″ and weighs 170 pounds. He excels as a returner and gadget player. Look for Gould to receive a chance to demonstrate his value as a kick/punt returner, bringing him into the gameplan sooner. Gould returned 26 punts for 423 yards (16.3 per return) and two touchdowns during his four-year Beaver career. While Gould only saw one kick return, Indianapolis special teams coordinator Brian Mason plans to use him as a returner for both.
With Gould’s 4.39-second speed and ability to make tacklers miss, I see him starting as the primary returner and scoring two or more kick/punt return touchdowns. The Colts have not had a dangerous return option since Nyheim Hines; with Gould, they have the ability to change that.
A pass to Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy (15) falls incomplete while he is covered by Missouri Tigers safety Jaylon Carlies (1).
5.) Jaylon Carlies: Force three or more interceptions, leading Colts LBs
Indianapolis continued to address depth by picking cover linebacker and former safety Jaylon Carlies in the fifth round. Carlies was originally scheduled to play safety at Missouri, but he will be moved to linebacker for Indianapolis. Carlies has an undersized body for a standard linebacker (6’2″ and 225 pounds), as does former Colts linebacker and current assistant Cato June.
June, who many say Carlies is similar to, was a fantastic cover linebacker for Indianapolis after transitioning from safety. From 2003 to 2006, June had 10 interceptions and 20 passes defended. He also had five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns in 2005, making June his only Pro Bowl appearance. If Carlies can perform like June did for Indianapolis, the Colts will have an outstanding asset at linebacker.
Carlies’ potential partnership with E.J. Speed and Zaire Franklin could lead to increased turnovers. Carlies, in my opinion, will see sub packages but should still get 50 or more tackles and some excellent run defence stops. However, I believe he will record four interceptions as a rookie linebacker in 2024. This will remind Colts fans of June’s time in Indianapolis and highlight Carlies’ abilities as a complement to Gus Bradley’s scheme.
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