Colts 2021 NFL Draft Tracker: First-round pick and stories to watch
By Mike Luciano
Frank Reich and the Indianapolis Colts, after months of uncertainty over the direction of the franchise, will finally make the No. 21 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft tonight.
The Colts made the postseason with Philip Rivers at the helm last year, but this roster has undergone some major changes over the last few months with the intent of winning the division once again.
GM Chris Ballard is armed with six picks in this draft, though he still could potentially trade down if it means he gets to add a few more players to Indy’s stockpile of young talent.
Irrespective of the Colts staying at No. 21 or moving down in the order, Colts fans can count on the fact that there will, at some point, be reinforcements added in the trenches on both sides of the ball in addition to a potential game-changer on the perimeter.
Welcome to Draft Weekend. #ColtsDraft pic.twitter.com/EaQfXgIMAD
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 29, 2021
Indianapolis Colts draft picks in the 2021 NFL Draft
- Round 1: No. 21
- Round 2: No. 54
- Round 4: No. 127
- Round 5: No. 165
- Round 6: No. 206
- Round 7: No. 248
This squad has had their quarterback situation solved thanks to Carson Wentz, but one look at the depth chart proves that this team will likely need to make some additions on the offensive end.
The need for a new left tackle is obvious, as is the hole at wide receiver. Ballard could add a starter for the next decade on either Day 1 or 2 of the draft considering how deep both positions are.
On defense, the biggest issues stem from their lack of a very meaty pass rush and the need for some more depth in the secondary. One of those two positions being addressed Thursday night makes a lot of sense.
Indianapolis needs to knock it out of the park in order to keep pace with the Titans in the AFC South. Luckily, Ballard has shown he can handle himself in this arena, and Colts fans should feel confident he’ll win the day once again.
Indianapolis Colts First-Round Pick: Kwity Paye, Michigan, No. 21 Overall
Well, welcome to Indianapolis, a pass-rusher with a great story! He’s pro ready, and hopefully his pressure can translate to results.
Indianapolis Colts Second-Round Pick: Dayo Odeyingbo, DE, Vanderbilt
We…we won’t dive too deeply into this one.
Indianapolis Colts Third-Round Pick: None
It was traded to the Eagles in the Carson Wentz deal.
Indianapolis Colts Fourth-Round Pick: Kylen Granson, TE, SMU
Granson is a force in the receiving game. Though his blocking abilities have come into question, his size and hands will help make Indy’s offense more dynamic.
Indianapolis Colts Fifth-Round Pick: Shawn Davis, S, Florida
Davis is a versatile safety and should add even more depth to a secondary that is going to need as many contributors as possible.
Indianapolis Colts Sixth-Round Pick: Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas
Not sure what we needed him for with Jacob Eason behind Carson Wentz, but a young, smart QB room is never a bad thing!
Indianapolis Colts Seventh-Round Pick: Mike Strachan, WR, Charleston
He’s 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds. That size profiles as a No. 1 wideout. Could be fun if he can improve his route-running. His size, strength and speed are all there.
Indianapolis Colts 2nd Seventh-Round Pick: Will Fries, OT Penn State
Finally! An offensive tackle! Will Fries played in the Big Ten for Penn State. He stands at 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds. He mostly played right tackle, but he also got reps at guard. Versatility!
