The Colts’ First Round Pick Needs to be a Home Run

The Colts have the number 3 overall pick in this upcoming draft. The organization typically doesn’t pick this high in the draft, so they need to make it count.

The Colts have a very big draft coming up. The roster has a lot of holes that need filled, and the draft is the best way to do that with young players. The first round pick the Colts have is especially important because they have such a high pick.

First round picks are supposed to be sure things. They are supposed to be a foundational player in whatever position they play. Some picks pan out, and some don’t. But recently in Colts history, more have flamed out than not.

In the last eight drafts, only four first round picks remain on the team: Andrew Luck, Anthony Castonzo, Ryan Kelly, and last year’s pick Malik Hooker. One of those drafts, in 2014, the Colts didn’t even have a first round pick due to the Trent Richardson trade. And we all know what a disaster that was.

Luck is obviously a franchise quarterback. He is the cornerstone of the franchise. Castonzo is the best offensive lineman the Colts have. Kelly looks promising, but had health issues this past season. Hooker was having a promising rookie year before he tore his ACL, recording 3 interceptions before doing so.

All of those players are good and have the potential to be great. But the other players that were taken in those eight drafts? Not good. Jerry Hughes was taken in 2010 and was cut in 2012 after recording only four sacks with the team. Bjoern Werner was taken in 2013 and was a huge bust, and is currently retired. Phillip Dorsett was taken in 2015 and was traded this past off-season for Jacoby Brissett.

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First round picks are clearly important, and the Colts need to make sure they make the right choice this draft. GM Chris Ballard has his work cut out for him. But if last year’s pick is any indication, he should make the right call in the spring.