Indianapolis Colts Draft Grades

How did the Colts do in the 2021 NFL Draft? Let’s give the Indianapolis Colts draft grades for every pick they made.

21st Overall Selection (R1-P21): Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

Kwity Paye has a good shot at being the best defensive end in the draft. His combination of strength and speed is incredibly rare. Paye has freakish speed, but isn’t undersized like a lot of edge rushers who put up low 4.4 40s. The Colts needed an edge rusher, however they also have a big need at offensive tackle. Still, I thought Paye would go about 10 picks earlier, so this is a good pick. I also understand the Colts signed Eric Fisher, but he’s coming off a serious injury. The Colts are also very thin behind Fisher, and new quarterback Carson Wentz is very injury prone. That is why I harp on the offensive tackle need. Grade: A

54th Overall Selection (R2-P22): Dayo Odeyingbo, EDGE, Vanderbilt

Odeyingbo has good size and athleticism. He can also play either inside or outside, so the versatility is a plus. I’m not sure what the Colts are doing with two defensive ends with their first two picks. Maybe they’re looking to replace both of their edge rushers. I would have expected an offensive tackle or a receiver in this spot, and there were talented ones available. Grade: B-

127th Overall Selection (R4-P22): Kylen Granson, TE, SMU

Granson was productive at SMU, but he’s a little undersized for the tight end position in the NFL. The Colts might be looking to move him to fullback, as right now Granson looks like the third tight end. He’s definitely behind Jack Doyle on the depth chart. Indianapolis had other needs, and I don’t like this pick. Grade: C-

165th Overall Selection (R5-P21): Shawn Davis, S, Florida

Say what you will about Indianapolis, they know what they want in backup safeties, guys named Shawn Davis. This Shawn Davis is a hard hitter, he brings the lumber from the safety position. Davis has good size and athleticism. I see him being valuable on special teams coverage early on, and he could develop into a starter. His biggest issue is consistency, but if the Colts can coach him up he could be a nice grab here. Grade: A-

218th Overall Selection (R6-P34, from Tampa Bay through Seattle): Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas

Neither analyst is high on Ehlinger, but it’s a later sixth round pick. He’s a camp arm, but not a strong one. If Ehlinger is going to be successful he needs to run a west coast offense. I will say Ehlinger is tough and a good athlete, he really is fit for a west coast offense. I don’t see the Colts running a west coast offense with Wentz who has a rocket arm, but isn’t much of an athlete. My guess is he ends up on the practice squad. Grade: C-

29th Overall Selection (R7-P1, from Tampa Bay through Jacksonville): Mike Strachan, WR, Charleston

Strachan is a big wide receiver with decent athleticism. I did expect the Colts to address the wide receiver position earlier than the seventh round. Strachan did absolutely dominate Division II football, but this obviously means he played against lesser competition. However, I like this pick, it’s a super high upside pick. Might as well take a lottery ticket in the seventh round. Grade: A-

248th Overall Selection (R7-P21): Will Fries, OG, Penn State

Fries is a big, quick, explosive guard, but how can his arms be so short with all that size? He is playing on the inside so hopefully his short arms won’t be too big of a detriment. Good news, Fries has experience all over the offensive line and that’s what you want in a late round offensive lineman. The bad news is that he looks a lot better inside than outside. If Fries is playing tackle, things have gone wrong for the Colts. Sadarius Hutcherson was available here, and that guy’s a stud, but Fries is more versatile. Grade: B

Analyst-Jonah Anderson

Overall Grade B-