The Colts’ first-round draft plans are among the NFL’s least well-kept secrets. Until something unforeseen happens by April 29, the Colts will pick either an offensive tackle or a passer with the 21st pick overall. Look for the Colts to pick the best player available at either position when they finally make their choice. Another thing we know for sure is that the Colts won’t be among the teams looking for a quarterback after acquiring Carson Wentz from Philadelphia in a trade.
Here’s a look at how the Colts’ 2021 draft unfolded.
1 (21) | OT Christian Darrisaw | Virginia Tech |
2 (54) | EDGE Joseph Ossai | Texas |
4 (127) | TE Brevin Jordan | Miami |
5 (165) | WR Whop Philyor | Indiana |
6 (206) | S Mark Webb | Georgia |
7 (248) | DL Khyiris Tonga | BYU |
As previously stated, look for the Colts to pick the best available pass passer or the offensive lineman with the 21st pick. Considering the needs of the 20 teams ahead of them, there’s a good chance Darrisaw will still be available with the Colts on the clock. A dominant run blocker at Virginia Tech, Darrisaw could become a Pro Bowl-caliber player to the next level if he continues to improve his pass protection.
It could be a stretch, but it’s certainly possible for the Colts to steal Ossai with the 54th pick. Ossai has grown accustomed to being in the back of his opponents during his time in Texas, with 29 tackles for a loss in the past two years. He also has untapped potential as a passer. If Ossai isn’t on the set, Pitt passer Patrick Jones II would be another option if the Colts waited until the second round to bolster their passing rush.
Speaking of untapped potential, Brevin Jordan, one of the best tight ends in the country out of high school, could be the tight end that catches passes that the Colts lack in the offense. While his college stats weren’t flashy, the 6-3, 245-pound Jones had seven touchdowns last season averaging 15.2 yards per catch.
The Colts can wait a little longer to pick up a receiver, but I ask them to pick up Philyor in the fifth round. A productive slot machine receiver in his time in Indiana, Philyor received the nickname “Whop” for his affinity for Burger King Whoppers as a child. Philyor started showing his potential in 2019, when he caught 70 passes for 1,002 yards and five touchdowns averaging 14.3 yards per catch. He would be a good addition alongside TY Hilton, Zach Pascal, and Michael Pittman Jr.
At Webb, the Colts would have a hard-hitting defensive back who can line up both safely and in the corners. Webb is expected to have an immediate impact on special teams as a rookie. Tonga, the final pick in the Colts’ 2021 Draft, would give Indianapolis much needed depth on the defensive line. A good running defender, Tonga has been a difficult one-on-one match for opposing linemen during his time at BYU.
