Senior Bowl week is an important part of the pre-draft process for the Indianapolis Colts and really every NFL team.
With the three days of practices now having wrapped up, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah put together his list of 12 standout prospects from the event. What jumps out most is that there were two position groups in particular that were mentioned often.
Of the 12 prospects Jeremiah highlighted, seven of them were either defensive linemen or cornerbacks.
The fact that a number of defensive linemen made this list isn’t too surprising, given the depth of the draft class. In fact, on Jeremiah’s initial top 50 big board, there are 16 defensive linemen listed.
When it comes to the Colts needs, the defensive front isn’t at the top of the list, but it shouldn’t be forgotten about either.
For one, the depth behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart has to improve. The Colts again were often picked apart in the run game when those two weren’t on the field.
Defensive end is a position that the Colts have invested heavily into under GM Chris Ballard, but if Dayo Odeyingbo leaves in free agency and/or Samson Ebukam is released to create cap space, the need there very much grows.
Cornerback, meanwhile, is a big need for the Colts. As Ballard said, “we’ve got to be better” in the secondary. The Colts would finish the 2024 season ranked in the bottom 10 in completion rate, yards per pass, pass deflections, and passer rating.
Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme can help with some of that heavy lifting in the secondary when it comes to improved play, but more talent is also needed.
Lastly, there were two tight ends mentioned among Jeremiah’s standouts: Miami’s Elijah Arroyo and LSU’s Mason Taylor. For more on these prospects, click here.
