Colts Select Darius Leonard With 36th Overall Pick
By Ryan Stano
The Colts have taken linebacker Darius Leonard with the 36th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here is what he can bring to the table.
The Colts opted to go defense with their first of three second round picks. They took linebacker Darius Leonard out of South Carolina State. Indianapolis needs help in the front seven, and this guy can help out immediately.
Leonard is out of a small school so not many people know who he is. Let me fill in the gaps for you. He is a tackling machine. He tallied 113 tackles last season, and 112 during his junior year. He had 8 sacks as a senior and also had two interceptions. He is a good pass rusher, and can cover as well.
The Colts had issues tackling last season, so Leonard should help with that. The linebacker depth is lacking, especially with the unfortunate passing of Edwin Jackson in the offseason. The Colts need to shore up the entire front seven, so don’t be surprised if the take more linebackers in this draft.
Leonard should be able to contribute early on for the Colts. He will definitely will be in the rotation, and should also be able to contribute on special teams. He should be able to plug up holes and allow other defenders to be more free with their assignments because Leonard won’t mess up assignments.
Next: What Drafting Quenton Nelson Means for the Colts
Chris Ballard said he wanted to draft a tougher team, and he is showing it so far. Drafting Quenton Nelson and Leonard shows that he wants to get tougher up the middle of the field. The Colts have needed to be tougher for awhile, and Frank Reich has to like what he sees so far in this draft. Expect that to continue throughout.