Colts: 3 possible first-round draft picks that would infuriate fans

The conversation surrounding the Indianapolis Colts has shifted to the 2021 Draft, which is somehow just eight days away, and what they should do with their first-round pick.

With gaping holes at left tackle and defensive end, most analysts are projecting Indy to address those positions with their first two selections.

We would personally be just fine if they went down that road, but we’d also endorse the prospect of trading down or completely out of the first round.

After all, there’s no telling who will be available at No. 21 overall.

At that point in the draft, they might have to choose between the third- or fourth-best prospects at those positions. In other words, the pressure on GM Chris Ballard to get that pick right would increase tenfold.

While we fully trust Ballard’s drafting ability that last thing we would want is for him to feel compelled to reach on a prospect who would fill a need. With that in mind, let’s attempt to highlight a few potential first-round picks that would absolutely infuriate the fan base.

Fans might not be happy if the Colts draft any of these players in Round 1.

3. Kadarius Toney

The Colts simply cannot justify taking a wide receiver in Round 1.

In a normal year, Kadarius Toney would be regarded as a high-end first-round prospect. Unfortunately for the former Florida star, however, he’s fallen into the second-tier of wideouts behind the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle. You could even throw WR/tight end hybrid Kyle Pitts in that group if you want.

If the Colts’ roster was fully loaded for next season — that could’ve been the case had they not been ultra conservative in free agency — we’d absolutely love the idea of drafting Toney, who caught 70 passes for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior last year, in the first round.

Seeing as though that isn’t the case, Indy couldn’t justify taking a wideout this early, especially considering how important the left tackle and defensive end positions are to team success.

The Colts’ refusal to spend big in free agency was going to hamstring them at some point, and being unable to add a world-class talent like Toney to their receiving corps qualifies as such.