2018: https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...-2018-giants-patriots-cowboys-jets/562265002/
Indianapolis Colts: C-
GM Chris Ballard snagged three second rounders from the Jets (two in this draft) to move down three spots. He still got the player, Notre Dame G Quenton Nelson, who might have been pick had Indy stayed put. Perfect choice. However, those Round 2 picks ... OLB Darius Leonard, G Braden Smith, pass rusher Kemoko Turay and DE Tyquan Lewis — all felt like possible reaches for a roster that can't afford more misses.
New York Jets: A-
GM Mike Maccagnan's gamble to trade up three spots to No. 3 (for three second rounders) paid off more handsomely than he probably could have imagined. Eight months ago, Jets fans wondered if their team would go 0-16 in order to secure QB Sam Darnold. New York finished 5-11 but got Darnold, who'd likely win an election as the draft's top passing prospect, anyway. Now, will he end the Jets' perpetual quest for a franchise passer? Third-round DL Nathan Shepherd and fourth-round TE Chris Herndon could both be Week 1 starters, though that says as much about the state of the roster as it does about their readiness.
2020: https://nflspinzone.com/2020/05/01/indianapolis-colts-grades-2020-nfl-draft-picks/3/
There was a time when Chris Ballard could do no wrong — like one pick ago. Well, this draft pick doesn’t hit the same. The only reason why this didn’t get an F was that the Colts needed some help in the secondary. And the Colts traded down for a guy who has some potential, so they got a pass.
The problem is, Julian Blackmon isn’t going to help them any time soon. With corners like Cameron Dantzler, Darnay Holmes and edge rushers Alex Highsmith and Jonathan Greenard available, they could have gotten an immediate return.
In the long-term, Blackmon could see playing big nickel or safety. He moved from corner to safety due to his lackluster recognition skills and lack of physicality. However, he showed improved instincts at safety and deep range. Unfortunately, against ball carriers, he took questionable angles, a huge red flag for a safety. He lacks recovery speed but he’s displayed good range and the ability to cover underneath routes.
This a project pick but the Colts are in win-now mode. This pick doesn’t help their pass defense at all in 2020. With Malik Hooker’s contract expiring at the end of the 2020 season, this appears to be a backup plan. With his ball skills and upside, this could pay off in the long run.
Indianapolis Colts: C-
GM Chris Ballard snagged three second rounders from the Jets (two in this draft) to move down three spots. He still got the player, Notre Dame G Quenton Nelson, who might have been pick had Indy stayed put. Perfect choice. However, those Round 2 picks ... OLB Darius Leonard, G Braden Smith, pass rusher Kemoko Turay and DE Tyquan Lewis — all felt like possible reaches for a roster that can't afford more misses.
New York Jets: A-
GM Mike Maccagnan's gamble to trade up three spots to No. 3 (for three second rounders) paid off more handsomely than he probably could have imagined. Eight months ago, Jets fans wondered if their team would go 0-16 in order to secure QB Sam Darnold. New York finished 5-11 but got Darnold, who'd likely win an election as the draft's top passing prospect, anyway. Now, will he end the Jets' perpetual quest for a franchise passer? Third-round DL Nathan Shepherd and fourth-round TE Chris Herndon could both be Week 1 starters, though that says as much about the state of the roster as it does about their readiness.
2020: https://nflspinzone.com/2020/05/01/indianapolis-colts-grades-2020-nfl-draft-picks/3/
Round 3, Pick 85: Julian Blackmon, S, Utah
Grade: DThere was a time when Chris Ballard could do no wrong — like one pick ago. Well, this draft pick doesn’t hit the same. The only reason why this didn’t get an F was that the Colts needed some help in the secondary. And the Colts traded down for a guy who has some potential, so they got a pass.
The problem is, Julian Blackmon isn’t going to help them any time soon. With corners like Cameron Dantzler, Darnay Holmes and edge rushers Alex Highsmith and Jonathan Greenard available, they could have gotten an immediate return.
In the long-term, Blackmon could see playing big nickel or safety. He moved from corner to safety due to his lackluster recognition skills and lack of physicality. However, he showed improved instincts at safety and deep range. Unfortunately, against ball carriers, he took questionable angles, a huge red flag for a safety. He lacks recovery speed but he’s displayed good range and the ability to cover underneath routes.
This a project pick but the Colts are in win-now mode. This pick doesn’t help their pass defense at all in 2020. With Malik Hooker’s contract expiring at the end of the 2020 season, this appears to be a backup plan. With his ball skills and upside, this could pay off in the long run.
