The Indianapolis Colts stayed put at No. 15 overall and selected edge rusher Laiatu Latu, but the first round of the NFL draft could have gone very differently.
Before making the pick with Latu, who was the first defensive player off the board in a historic fashion, the Colts were actively trying to move up in the first round for an offensive player.
General manager Chris Ballard confirmed as much during his press conference following the first round of the draft Thursday night.
"We had some serious, serious discussions, yes – with big offers, by the way. We made a push, it just didn’t – you got to get two to tango. Nobody was moving. There’s some good players up at the top of the draft.
After six quarterbacks went within the first 12 picks, an unprecedented development, the Colts tried their best to move up.
MORE: How Laiatu Latu's rugby background shaped who he is
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Friday afternoon that the Colts were trying to move up for tight end Brock Bowers, who was taken at No. 13 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. When Bowers was taken by the Raiders, though, the Colts stopped calling.
Even Mike Chappell of Fox59 speculated that the Colts had an eye to move up for LSU wide receiver before he was taken by the New York Giants at No. 6 overall. But jumping the Giants would have taken an uncanny offer.
Either way, the Colts came away with Latu, who has a lot of upside to add more consistency to the pass rush.
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
