Indianapolis Colts: 3 first-rounders Chris Ballard must avoid
By Mike Luciano
The Indianapolis Colts checked off the all-important quarterback box by trading for Carson Wentz, but that solution has only made it more difficult to figure out which direction Chris Ballard should go in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
While they could potentially draft a future No. 1 wide receiver, the offensive line is looking much less robust with Anthony Castonzo officially retired, and Indy can always use more reinforcements in the secondary.
The Colts need to be very careful of pledging lots of long-term value on some risky picks. As the rival Tennesse Titans have found out with Isaiah Wilson, missing badly on a first-round selection can be absolutely fatal when the postseason comes around.
Ballard has drafted well over the years, so the Colts and their fans have no reason to doubt him, but they should still keep their eyes peeled for any potential red flags.
Also should be noted all three of these schools have potential first-round picks at left tackle as well #Colts are monitoring:
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) March 27, 2021
Northwestern = Rashawn Slater
Alabama = Alex Leatherwood
Virginia Tech = Christian Darrisaw https://t.co/fUcF5gM9dR
The Colts should stay away from these three potential first-round talents.
3. Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
With a reported sub-4.3 40-yard dash and a year of quality production in the SEC, Joseph seems like an ideal Ballard pick, especially considering the inside-outside versatility he brings to the table. However, Joseph spent his early college years at LSU, and he only ended up of Kentucky because of his immaturity.
After a suspension for a violation of team rules, which brought him one step short of being booted out of LSU, Joseph transferred to Kentucky, and those character red flags could cause some teams to be skeptical.
Kelvin Joseph might be too raw for the Colts.
Even on just his on-field exploits, Joseph would be a questionable first-rounder. That 4.3 speed in no way shows up on film, where he required safety help over the top frequently. Tack on some poor ball-tracking ability in the air, and you have a second-round prospect rather than a first.
The Colts brought back Xavier Rhodes, so any cornerback they take this high has to be a no-doubt impact starter from the jump. Joseph will require some time to improve, meaning he’s better off on Day 2 for teams looking for a cornerback.