The Indianapolis Colts are now set coming out of the 2024 NFL Draft looking to compete for a playoff spot after narrowly missing out last year with a 9-8 record.
Most of the experts were impressed with the Colts' draft class, especially with their selections of edge rusher Laiatu Latu and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell with their first two picks, respectively.
In the latest roundup of where the Colts sit in the NFL power rankings, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Some analysts view the Colts as a fringe playoff team while other view them more as a bottom 10 squad with question marks.
RELATED: Colts roster projection following NFL Draft
Either way, the analysts agree it all comes down to the development of Anthony Richardson.
NFL power rankings: Colts get mixed reviews post-draft
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: No. 24
The Colts boosted their pass rush first but still ended up with a needed big-play wide receiver, Adonai Mitchell, for Anthony Richardson. Richardson's health and second-year development will determine plenty.
Josh Kendall, The Athletic: No. 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.)
Eric Edholm, NFL.com: No. 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.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: No. 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
Dallas Robinson, Pro Football Network: No. 18
First 2024 draft pick: EDGE Laiatu Latu (No. 15)
The Colts finished fifth in sacks (51) and pass-rush win rate (48%) in 2023 but couldn’t help but add another talented player to their EDGE rotation.
Latu was the 15th overall pick despite medically returning during college and entering the NFL as a 23-year-old — that should tell you how talented he is. Viewed as the most pro-ready edge rusher in the 2024 draft, Latu is a threat to lead Indy in sacks in his rookie campaign.
Connor Orr, Sports Illustrated: No. 14
From a pure value perspective, it’s fair to wonder if GM Chris Ballard and the Colts didn’t have the best pure draft of any team. WR Adonai Mitchell and edge Laiatu Latu have incredible upside, and while there is something about each of them—be it personal or medical—that scared other teams off, a good organization can embrace anyone and everyone. If the ceiling on both of these players hits, watch out.
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
