Colts Draft: Review, Grades and In-Depth Analysis

Round 3 Pick #1 – 65th Overall:

Analysis:  For the first time in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Colts completed a trade. The exchange with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers allowed the Colts to move out of their 61st pick at the end of the 2nd round down to the first pick of the third round plus they moved up 19 spots in the 4th round. The result of the trade was the selection of Florida Atlantic defensive back D’Joun Smith. He is not a household game, but his game film speaks volumes for his abilities as a DB. Smith was tied for second in the nation with seven interceptions despite being avoided by opposing QBs, who rarely threw in his direction. 

Measurables: Smith is a prototype press-man cornerback even if he is only 5’10” and 187 lbs. Smith loves contact and plays with aggressive instincts. He is a pure athlete, as evidenced at the combine posting a 4.42 40-yd dash, 21 bench reps at 225 lbs and a 10’1″ broad jump. His strength, agility and raw athleticism were on display at his pro day as well. Pagano discussed his impressions of Smith not opting to stand on his combine numbers and performing those drills on his Pro Day:

“We got out to the field and he didn’t have to run. He ran fast at the combine.” Pagano said.”He had a bunch of scouts there, bunch of people there, his teammates were there and he elected to run. He warmed up and I think he ran a 4.39. A bunch of guys had low 4.3’s on them.” Pagano also added. “Great competitor, then we put him through all the position drills. Great change of direction, great feet. Good hips, can high point the ball, locate the ball, good ball skills. He’s wired the right way to play out on the island the way we ask guys to play. He loves that challenge.”

Scheme Fit:  Though slightly undersized for an outside cornerback, his strength and tenacity provide him with ample traits to become an effective slot corner and guarantees his participation in the sub-packages. He has excellent closing speed and a eye for the ball. Smith tracks the ball in the air well and has the quick feet and smooth hips desired at his position. Smith can immediately contribute on special teams as either a gunner or returner.

There are two intangibles that are additional factors to his scheme fit: character and confidence. Two traits both Grigson and Pagano did not hesitate to mention in their post draft press conference. Grigson also added, “At every turn this kid impressed us. His all-business approach and he’s got a real quiet toughness about him. It shows up on the field and we’re excited about this guy.”

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Analysis:  For the first time in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Colts completed a trade. The exchange with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers allowed the Colts to move out of their 61st pick at the end of the 2nd round down to the first pick of the third round plus they moved up 19 spots in the 4th round. The result of the trade was the selection of Florida Atlantic defensive back D’Joun Smith. He is not a household game, but his game film speaks volumes for his abilities as a DB. Smith was tied for second in the nation with seven interceptions despite being avoided by opposing QBs, who rarely threw in his direction. 

Measurables: Smith is a prototype press-man cornerback even if he is only 5’10” and 187 lbs. Smith loves contact and plays with aggressive instincts. He is a pure athlete, as evidenced at the combine posting a 4.42 40-yd dash, 21 bench reps at 225 lbs and a 10’1″ broad jump. His strength, agility and raw athleticism were on display at his pro day as well. Pagano discussed his impressions of Smith not opting to stand on his combine numbers and performing those drills on his Pro Day:

“We got out to the field and he didn’t have to run. He ran fast at the combine.” Pagano said.”He had a bunch of scouts there, bunch of people there, his teammates were there and he elected to run. He warmed up and I think he ran a 4.39. A bunch of guys had low 4.3’s on them.” Pagano also added. “Great competitor, then we put him through all the position drills. Great change of direction, great feet. Good hips, can high point the ball, locate the ball, good ball skills. He’s wired the right way to play out on the island the way we ask guys to play. He loves that challenge.”

Scheme Fit:  Though slightly undersized for an outside cornerback, his strength and tenacity provide him with ample traits to become an effective slot corner and guarantees his participation in the sub-packages. He has excellent closing speed and a eye for the ball. Smith tracks the ball in the air well and has the quick feet and smooth hips desired at his position. Smith can immediately contribute on special teams as either a gunner or returner.

There are two intangibles that are additional factors to his scheme fit: character and confidence. Two traits both Grigson and Pagano did not hesitate to mention in their post draft press conference. Grigson also added, “At every turn this kid impressed us. His all-business approach and he’s got a real quiet toughness about him. It shows up on the field and we’re excited about this guy.”