The Indianapolis Colts’ first five weeks of the 2024 NFL season has been heavily marred by poor health, with numerous starters out for the season and others missing significant game time due to injuries.
While the offense has been impacted by the injury bug as well, most notably to quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor, the defense has seen the most turmoil this year.
With or without starters on the field, the Colts’ defense has been among the worst in all of football. Indianapolis has allowed the fourth-most passing yards and third-most rushing yards through five games.
With that in mind, Bleacher Report’s weekly list encouraging teams to trade for, sign or draft assets within the next year has been filled with defensive talent. Tight end is listed as one of the Colts’ top-five largest needs, but the other four spots are all on the defensive side of the ball.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report did not hone in on a first-round selection in this week’s pick, naming Arizona defensive back Tacario Davis as a would-be target for Indianapolis’ 2025 NFL Draft board.
"Pairing [JuJu Brents] with another massive cornerback in Tacario Davis could be a headache for opposing offenses. The 6'4" cornerback is built like a receiver and can play like one when the ball is in the air. Man coverage and deep speed could be concerns, but the Colts should be able to scheme a defense that works with Brents and Davis on the outside," wrote Ballentine.
Davis, a junior, is ranked as the 73rd-best prospect in the upcoming draft class and only checks in as the seventh-best cornerback in the class according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
However, Davis is a unique athlete who could provide the Colts’ weak secondary with some needed versatility. The Wildcat began his freshman season at Arizona as a defensive end, but he only saw the field in five games. After making the switch to cornerback, Davis started every game for the Wildcats in 2024. He has done the same in 2024.
In his 18 games as a defensive back, Davis has successfully defended 20 passes and recorded one interception. For someone who looks to be drafted in the third round, Indianapolis could be in a good position for a steal.
