OK, so the Indianapolis Colts passed on an offensive lineman in the first round to select defensive end Kwity Paye. Fans were able to deal with that. In fact, they kind of liked it.
After all, this draft is loaded with offensive line talent. General manager Chris Ballard could’ve easily selected one with his No. 54 overall pick, which felt like a no-brainer since the Colts don’t have a third-rounder this year because of the Carson Wentz trade.
But it seems Indy’s strategy backfired. Team after team traded up in the second round. It was complete mayhem. And Ballard continued to watch offensive linemen and cornerbacks fly off the board — arguably the team’s two biggest needs.
Teven Jenkins. Samuel Cosmi. Liam Eichenberg. Jackson Carman. Walker Little. Dillon Radunz. Asante Samuel Jr. Kelvin Joseph. Ummm … so what are the Colts going to do?
Apparently, select another defensive end … who’s coming off a torn Achilles. What?!
The #Colts select Vanderbilt’s DE Dayo Odeyingbo, who is coming off a torn Achilles. He’ll be cleared in August return to play late September/October. Plenty of teams had first round grades if healthy.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 1, 2021
The Colts absolutely blew it with their second-round pick.
Vanderbilt’s Dayo Odeyingbo was the selection. Why?!
Yes, time will tell if this pick ends up being “good,” but for now, it’s absolutely not what this team needs. The roster already has questionable pass rushers in Kemoko Turay, Ben Banogu and Tyquan Lewis. Why add another when there’s a glaring need along the offensive line?
Colts fans were very much concerned with the team’s conservative nature this offseason in free agency. And now that’s somehow translated to the draft, which is supposed to be Ballard’s specialty.
With the 54th pick, the #Colts take DL-Dayo Odeyingbo (Vanderbilt).
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) May 1, 2021
Double-dipping into the defensive trenches. Tore his Achilles this offseason.
So, Week 1 starter at LT already on the roster?
Does this mean Quenton Nelson is surely moving to left tackle? Every projected/speculated offensive lineman the Colts were believed to be target in the first and second rounds are gone.
Even worse? Odeyingbo may not be ready to play until October. And Justin Houston is still a free agent! What is the thought process here? The fans deserve to know.
.@RapSheet says Colts draft pick Dayo Odenigbo, who tore his Achilles in January, will likely not be cleared to play until August. Might not get on the field until October.
— Jim Ayello (@jimayello) May 1, 2021
Colts picked another player like that last year in Julian Blackmon.
The needs were as clear as day. And the Colts still have over $20 million in cap space remaining. There are plenty of veteran pass rushers available who could slot in right now and contribute as opposed to waiting until October to see if a rookie will fit in Matt Eberflus’ system.
Fans have trusted the front office based on the track record over the last four years, but they rightfully had their questions. The roster is a few moves away from legitimate Super Bowl contention and a second-round pick was seemingly wasted on a position they already addressed with their first-round pick (and still could’ve addressed in free agency).
Meanwhile, a massive void remains at left tackle … the position that’s supposed to protect Wentz’s blind spot. So we ask again: what’s the plan?
Indianapolis Colts: Trends to watch on NFL Draft Day 2
Here are trends the Indianapolis Colts and general manager Chris Ballard should be on the lookout for on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.