Colts take Rock Ya-Sin with 34th overall pick

The Colts made their first pick in the 2019 draft, and they took a cornerback out of Temple.

Rock Ya-Sin is the first player the Colts took in the 2019 draft with the 34th pick overall. Ya-Sin played ball at Temple and was a good cover man, especially in press coverage. It was a little surprising that they didn’t go with wide receiver with this pick, but they got a good cover guy.

Ya-Sin only played one year at Temple, but was efficient in that one year. He started all 12 games for Temple and totaled 47 tackles and 2 interceptions. He is really good as press coverage, which the Colts want to play with their 4-3 scheme. Ya-Sin had 12 pass breakups as well.

Those pass breakups are indicative of what kind of player he can be in the Colts’ secondary. He will stay on the hip of the receiver and make sure he makes a play on the ball. That will be crucial for Matt Eberflus and his non-blitzing brand of defensive football.

While corner isn’t their top need, the Colts still could use a good press corner guy. Kenny Moore and Pierre Desir are their top two corners, but they have been using Moore more in the slot. Adding Ya-Sin gives them the flexibility to bring Moore closer to the line of scrimmage.

I was surprised that the Colts didn’t take a receiver with this pick, but it seems that they have their pick of receivers with their other picks. Also having Ya-Sin in their secondary gives them more flexibility with rushing the passer with their front four.

Ya-Sin will get a lot of playing time right away, and hopefully he flourishes. It will be interesting to see what they do with the rest of their picks.