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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) /
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Number 1: 1963

Notable Players:

  • Winston Hill HOF
    • Position: Tackle
    • Pick Selected: 145th (Round 11)
    • Seasons Played: 1963-1977 (New York Jets)
    • Pro Bowl Selections: 8
    • First-Team All-Pro Selections: 0
    • Super Bowl Wins: 1 (1968)
    • Notable Awards: 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee
  • John Mackey HOF
    • Position: Tight End
    • Pick Selected: 19th (Round 2)
    • Seasons Played: 1963-1972 (1972 with San Diego)
    • Pro Bowl Selections: 5
    • First-Team All-Pro Selections: 3
    • Super Bowl Wins: 1 (1970)
    • Notable Awards: 1992 Hall of Fame Inductee
  • Bob Vogel
    • Position: Tackle
    • Pick Selected: 5th Overall
    • Seasons Played: 1963-1972
    • Pro Bowl Selections: 5
    • First-Team All-Pro Selections: 1
    • Super Bowl Wins: 1 (1970)
    • Notable Awards: None
  • Willie Richardson
    • Position: Flanker/Wide Receiver
    • Pick Selected: 89th (Round 7)
    • Seasons Played: 1963-1971 (1970 with Miami)
    • Pro Bowl Selections: 2
    • First-Team All-Pro Selections: 1
    • Super Bowl Wins: 0
    • Notable Awards: None
  • Jerry Logan
    • Position: Defensive Back
    • Pick Selected: 47th (Round 4)
    • Seasons Played: 1963-1972
    • Pro Bowl Selections: 3
    • First-Team All-Pro Selections: 0
    • Super Bowl Wins: 1 (1970)
    • Notable Awards: None

Without a doubt, this class comes in at the top of the list for the Colts. While in Baltimore, this class produced two Hall of Famers, 11th Round Tackle Winston Hill and 2nd Round TE John Mackey. Winston Hill was drafted by the Colts but played his career with the Jets; he was selected to 8 Pro Bowls and is a member of the Hall of Fame.

John Mackey played 9 of his 10 years in the NFL with the Colts (his final with San Diego) and was selected to 5 Pro Bowls. He was also named to the All-Conference Team from 1966-1968 and the All NFL/AFL Team in 1968. Mackey is a member of the Hall of Fame All-1960’s Team and a member of the Hall of Fame.

Tackle Bob Vogel, taken in the 1st round, was selected to 5 Pro Bowls and was a 1st-Team All-Pro selection in 1969. He missed only one game (during his rookie season) in his entire career, all 10 years coming with the Colts. He was the primary starting Tackle during every season, including the team’s 1970 Super Bowl win.

Flanker (WR) Willie Richardson (7th round) played 8 of his 9 years with the Colts and totaled 2883 yards and 24 touchdowns in his Colts career. He was selected to 2 Pro Bowls and the 1967 First-Team All-Pro team.

DB Jerry Logan, the team’s 4th round selection, started in 129 out of the 140 games he played during his career, all with the Colts. He was selected to 3 Pro-Bowls and led the league in interceptions returned for touchdowns (2) in 1970. Logan was a key piece in the 1970 Super Bowl win over the Cowboys with the game-sealing interception on the last play of the game to give the Colts the victory.

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Including Winston Hill, this class finished with 23 Pro Bowl selections, 5 First-Team AP selections, and two Hall of Famers. They all played a vital role in the 1970 Super Bowl win on both sides of the ball. Because of their immense success in the league, this group deserves to be at the top of the list.

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