Indianapolis Colts Announce 2022 Draft Class

[npklemm]

The 2022 Draft has concluded, and the Indianapolis Colts are proud to announce their Draft Selections:

 

Round 1, Pick 3

 

QB Rashaan Lyons, Kentucky

 

Overall: B+

Potential: B-

The Colts traded two future 1st Round Picks to move up to Pick #3 and take the stud out of Kentucky. Rashaan had an amazing senior year with the Wildcats, leading them to the Playoffs. His pre-draft measurables were outstanding as well. He had a 8.7 Accuracy Grady and 9.1 Distance Grade. He was the clear cut top QB in the Draft according to the Colts Front Office. Lyons projects to be a Day-1 Starter, and with the surrounding talent around him, we should be in for a fun year.

 

Round 2, PIck 15

 

CB Elijah Ellis, NC State

 

Overall: B-

Potential: B

The Colts needed help in the secondary, and used their 2nd Round Pick on the Versatile Corner out of NC State. He graded well in both Man Coverage (7.5) and Zone Coverage (7.1), making him a player you can use in just about any scheme. The Colts will employ a primarily Man Coverage Scheme with their Corners, so he should fit in well. He may not be a starter right off the bat, but should find himself in a rotational role. Getting on the field in DB heavy schemes.

 

Round 3, Pick 18

 

OLB Richie Gasol, Boise State

 

Overall: C

Potential: B+

Gasol didn't have the most productive year at Boise in 2021, but did grade out very well in the Pro Days. He had a 8.5 Coverage Grade, and a 6.8 Run Stop Grade. He'll be tasked mostly with playing coverage, off the ball, which is what he excels in. Unlike Lyons and Ellis, we don't expect to see Gasol getting many snaps right away. He might make the active roster in a Special Teams role, otherwise he'll be on the Practice Squad.

 

Round 4, Pick 4

 

SS Tanzel Harvey, UTSA

 

Overall: C+

Potential: B+

Harvey was fairly productive in college, especially when compared to other Strong Safeties. He's a Zone Specialist, getting a 8.1 Zone Grade while getting a 6.2 Man Grade. The Colts want their Strong Safety to be a Zone Specialist, so Harvey fits right in. However, he'll have to sit for a year or two before we see him on the field a lot. Expect him to be treated similarly to Gasol.

 

Round 4, Pick 15

 

C Willis Bruce, Southern Miss

 

Overall: C

Potential: A

Bruce graded higher than average among all Pass Blocking Centers in Combine/Pro Day Metrics. His 7.7 Pass Blocking Grade puts him 2nd Among all Pass Blocking Centers. He's not much of a run blocker (5.1), but fortunately for him and the Colts, we don't run the ball much around here. Expect to see Bruce hit the Practice Squad.

 

Round 5, Pick 29

 

DE Antwuan Dedmon, Michigan

 

Overall: C-

Potential: A

Dedmon, like most other pass rushers in 2021, didn't have mind blowing stats. But, his pass rushing grade of 8.1 was second among all Speed Rushing Defensive Ends. He's a specialist, he gets after the Quarterback. Like Bruce, we expect Dedmon to spend a year or two on the Practice Squad.