Friday, May 17, 2024

Indianapolis Colts 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Indianapolis Colts in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 18

Most improved: Defensive line

The first thing to know is the Colts' roster is mostly unchanged, unless you count the return of QB Anthony Richardson from a season-ending shoulder injury. After retaining a long list of internal free agents, one of Indianapolis' few major changes was drafting DE Laiatu Latu with the 15th pick. He has the potential to become an elite edge rusher with his unique traits and repertoire of moves. Also of note is the signing of free agent DT Raekwon Davis, who adds quality interior depth. -- Stephen Holder

NFL.com -- Rank: 22

I thought the Colts would go with a playmaker or corner in Round 1. Instead, it was pass rusher Laiatu Latu, who was Chris Ballard's second-biggest first-round gamble. (No. 1 is Anthony Richardson in 2023.) And I gotta say, I like this side of Ballard. Even second-rounder Adonai Mitchell carries risk -- or does he? Ballard went on a heater when the subject of Mitchell, a top-40 talent who slid a bit, and so-called "character concerns" came up. In short, Ballard vociferously defended Mitchell's character, which had to sound good if you're a Colts backer -- or if you're Mitchell. I wasn't the biggest Matt Goncalves fan, but Lance Zierlein gave him a solid grade, and Lance has forgotten more about OL play than I'll ever know. Everything else the Colts did in the draft made sense, even if waiting to take a corner was tough. Indy added a little juice this weekend.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

They will have a healthy Anthony Richardson back, which is the best thing going into the season. He flashed as a rookie and will be another year into the offense.

USA Today -- Rank: 14

Getting DE Laiatu Latu 15th overall in the draft and WR Adonai Mitchell at No. 52 were very likely two of this draft's biggest value picks. Add them to the mix of a nine-win team that had limited snaps from QB Anthony Richardson and RB Jonathan Taylor in 2023, and Indy is shaping up as one of next season's breakout candidates.

The Athletic -- Rank: 14

The Colts landed two of the draft's most talented players with their first two picks, which is impressive considering those picks came at 15 and 52. They did have to take on some risk to do it, though. UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu medically retired from football at one point in his college career, and Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell raised some concerns about non-football issues in the scouting community. (Don't tell GM Chris Ballard about that second part, though. He doesn't want to hear it.)

Fox Sports -- Rank: 21

Sorry for stating the obvious, but everything in Indy hinges on Anthony Richardson. The Colts brought back their key free agents and had a nice enough draft, but I don't think they're a better team than last year's unless Richardson can continue his upward trajectory — while staying healthy this time.

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