The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2022 NFL Draft with six selections. Many expected the Colts to struggle to find talent in this draft class without a first-round pick. Fortunately, there were plenty of talented players that Indianapolis felt comfortable with. The Colts started with two day two selections but ended up selecting four by the time Friday was over, following a trade down with the Minnesota Vikings in round two and trade back into the third round with the Denver Broncos. Indianapolis had multiple needs across the roster, and after starting with six selections, the Colts found eight players by the time the seventh round ended.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft Recaps.
Best Pick: Bernhard Raimann (Round 3, Pick 77)
Indianapolis still hadn’t re-signed Eric Fisher before the draft, so it looked as though Matt Pryor would start at left tackle once the draft started. Because of the trade with the Vikings in the middle of the second round, the Colts had an extra third-round selection. Raimann, who some had as a potential first-round pick, was still available in the third round. Getting the Central Michigan left tackle with the 77th pick was a steal. Raimann could battle with Pryor for the starting left tackle spot during camp, and it was the best value pick the Colts made throughout the weekend.
Grade: A
For more on Raimann, check out our scouting report on him.
Worst Pick: Andrew Ogletree (Round 6, Pick 192)
The Colts didn’t have any horrendous picks overall. It was a bit head-scratching to see them take a second tight end instead of a cornerback in the sixth round. Ogletree isn’t a bad player, as he was the MVP of the Hula Bowl. Dane Brugler raved about him in his scouting report as he’s a field-stretching tight end that can get open with his dynamic athleticism and wide catch radius. Selecting Jelani Woods and Ogletree gives the Colts an intriguing room to go along with Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson.
Grade: C
Sleeper Pick: Eric Johnson (Round 5, Pick 159)
Johnson was the first selection on day three for Indianapolis, and they got him at a fantastic value. Chris Ballard must’ve wanted to add bulk to the defensive line, as Johnson was one of two defensive tackles selected as Indianapolis added Curtis Brooks from Cincinnati in round six. Johnson will factor in as a rotational defensive lineman for the Colts behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.
Grade: A
Summary:
Ballard and company pulled off another outstanding draft. The three picks mentioned don’t include their first-choice, Alec Pierce, who will start immediately for the Colts. Getting the Cincinnati receiver after trading down and picking up two extra picks was an excellent decision, and they got him at a fantastic value. Woods could grab starting snaps right away from the tight end spot. Indianapolis moved up to snag Nick Cross at the end of round three. Julian Blackmon is a fantastic player but has struggled to stay healthy. Adding Cross at the end of the second day was a great move, and could find starting snaps right away.
The only knock that on this draft class is that Indianapolis didn’t draft a cornerback until their final selection of the weekend. The Colts added Stephon Gilmore and Brandon Facyson in free agency and have Kenny Moore in the slot but outside of Isaiah Rodgers, Indianapolis doesn’t have enough depth in their cornerback room.
Grade: A-
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