The Indianapolis Colts came away from the 2024 NFL Draft with nine selections added to their roster.
Adding to several positions of need and bringing in talent on both sides of the ball, the Colts did well in the grades from the experts around the league.
In a crowded AFC South, the Colts will have a difficult battle ahead considering the moves made by the rest of the teams in the division, but they should get some help from the rookie class.
Here's how we graded every pick for the Colts in the nine-player draft class:
2024 NFL Draft: Grades for every Colts' pick
Round 1, Pick 15: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
The Colts made a somewhat surprising selection taking Latu at No. 15, but it has become clear they thought he was the best defensive player in the draft. Aside from potential concerns about a neck injury and the fact that he'll be 24 years old as a rookie, this pick has a lot of upside that comes with an immediate role as a rotational pass rusher. He's the most polished pass rusher in the class and should have a role right away.
Grade: A
Round 2, Pick 52: WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
One of the bigger surprises was the fall that Mitchell endured. A projected first-round pick, Mitchell's slide was eventually stopped by the Colts. If he can put it all together, he has the skill set to be a dynamic weapon for the Colts from the X-receiver role due to his combination of route running, secure hands and elite athleticism.
Grade: A
Round 3, Pick 79: OL Matt Goncalves, Pitt
While the Colts didn't have a major need to add to the offensive line, they did need to add some depth. Goncalves should work well as a depth option at both tackle and guard even if it's most likely going to be the latter at the next level.
Grade: B
Round 4, Pick 117: C Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin
A perfect fit for the Colts on Day 3, Bortolini very well could be the future of the center position in Indianapolis. He has elite movement skills, high intelligence, and he comes from a program that constantly churns out NFL-ready offensive linemen. It might be a while before he secures a role, but he has a lot of upside.
Grade: A
Round 5, Pick 142: WR Anthony Gould, Oregon State
With one of their extra picks in the fifth round, the Colts added a dynamic weapon in the return game. Gould can probably carve out a role as a gadget player and depth in the slot type of receiver, but his impact is going to come in the return game with the NFL's new rules.
Grade: B
Round 5, Pick 151: LB Jaylon Carlies, Missouri
Carlies is a strong selection in the fifth round that addresses a need for a depth role on the defensive side of the ball. He will transition from safety to linebacker while adding contributions on special teams. Carlies is an elite athlete so this is the type of shot to take on Day 3.
Grade: B+
Round 5, Pick 164: CB Jaylin Simpson, Auburn
It will be interesting to see where Simpson lines up. He has worked as a safety before, but it appears the Colts want to start him out as a nickel cornerback. He has experience working in both roles, and he brings high-end traits to the field along with some solid ball skills. His spot is far from guaranteed, but he's a player to watch.
Grade: B
Round 6, Pick 201: CB Micah Abraham, Marshall
Another under-sized cornerback target for the Colts, Abraham doesn't boast elite athleticism or length, but he did record 12 interceptions throughout his collegiate career. He may have a more difficult time making the roster, but he should find himself right in the mix for the backup slot role.
Grade: C
Round 7, Pick 234: DT Jonah Laulu, Oklahoma
Laulu will likely be working mostly from the 3-technique defensive tackle position where he will be battling with several players most likely for just one spot on the depth chart. He has intriguing measurables and athleticism, but he didn't have much production in college.
Grade: C+
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
