Horseshoe Heroes
FanSided

The 5 best draft classes in Colts history

By Brandon Daniels

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 20: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos meet after the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 39-33. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 20: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos meet after the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 39-33. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 06: Robert Mathis #98 of the Indianapolis Colts runs onto the field before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 6, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Moore/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 06: Robert Mathis #98 of the Indianapolis Colts runs onto the field before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 6, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Moore/Getty Images) /

Number 2: 2003

Notable Players:

  • Dallas Clark
    • Position: Tight End
    • Pick Selected: 24th Overall
    • Seasons Played:  2003-2013 (9 seasons with Indianapolis, 1 with Tampa Bay, 1 with Baltimore)
    • Pro Bowl Selections: 1 (Indianapolis)
    • First-Team All-Pro Selections: 1 (Indianapolis)
    • Super Bowl Wins: 1 (2006)
    • Notable Awards: None
  • Robert Mathis
    • Position: Defensive End
    • Pick Selected: 138th (Round 5)
    • Seasons Played: 2003-2016
    • Pro Bowl Selections: 5
    • First-Team All-Pro Selections: 1
    • Super Bowl Wins: 1 (2006)
    • Notable Awards: 2013 Sacks Leader
  • Cato June
    • Position: Linebacker
    • Pick Selected: 198 (Round 6)
    • Seasons Played: 2003-2009 (4 seasons with Indianapolis, 2 with Tampa Bay)
    • Pro Bowl Selections: 1
    • First-Team All-Pro Selections: 0
    • Super Bowl Wins: 1 (2006)
    • Notable Awards: None

The 2003 draft class has a leg-up over the 2018 draft because of the more defined talent. The two most notable players in this draft were TE Dallas Clark with the 24th pick and DE Robert Mathis with the 138th pick.

Clark and Mathis only have 1 First-Team All-Pro selection apiece; however, those accolades do not show how great these two players were during their careers. Clark was selected to only one Pro Bowl but was one of the most consistent Tight Ends in the NFL throughout his career.

He was one of only 5 TE’s to record over 100 catches in a season (100 in 2009). He isn’t the flashiest choice on paper for the Hall of Fame but I think he will get in due to his consistency near the top of the totem pole at his position during his time in the league.

Robert Mathis led the way on the defensive side of the ball for the Colts throughout the dominance of the 2000s. He was selected to 5 Pro Bowls along with his lone First Team AP appearance (in 2013).

Mathis led the league in Forced Fumbles in 3 separate seasons (6 FF in 2004, 8 in 2005, 10 in 2013). He also led the league in sacks in 2013, with 19.5. Mathis was a mainstay in the Colts’ defense throughout the 2000s as the unit remained near the top of the league. Mathis will end up in the Hall of Fame once eligible.

6th round LB Cato June played 4 seasons with the team and made the Pro Bowl in 2005; he returned 2 of his 5 interceptions for touchdowns that season, which led the NFL. He was also named the All-Conference team the same year. He started every game from his 2nd season to his last in Indianapolis and over 100 tackles in those three seasons.

Home/Colts All-Time Lists