The Indianapolis Colts officially closed the book on the 2021 NFL Draft, and they managed to bring in a decent haul of players led by a potential star on the defensive line in Michigan pass rusher Kwity Paye.
The Colts’ rookie class also includes a supremely talented lottery ticket in Dayo Odeyingbo, a deadly receiving tight end in Kylen Granson, and one of the best Big 12 quarterbacks of all time in Sam Ehlinger.
GM Chris Ballard and coach Frank Reich are hoping that this class of youngsters sets them apart when compared to the rest of the rapidly improving AFC South. With Carson Wentz under center, Indy might be able to knock off the Tennessee Titans if the rookie class starts to emerge as a bunch of contributors.
Time will tell if these players will be able to carve their names in Colts history, but they will at least look pretty slick in their first professional jersey numbers.
The Colts rookies have officially picked their numbers.
First-round pick Kwity Paye will wear No. 51 for the Colts.
— Jim Ayello (@jimayello) May 6, 2021
Colts DE Kwity Paye: 51
The No. 51 doesn’t have a ton of history in Indianapolis, but Paye, who wore Johnny Unitas’ No. 19 in college, could easily make that number one of the most revered in franchise history if he hits his athletic stride. It’s easy to see why he was considered one of the top edge rushers in the class when you turn on the film.
Colts DE Dayo Odeyingbo: 54
Odeyingbo, who owned No. 10 at Vanderbilt, picks up Anthony Walker’s No. 54 after he departed for the Cleveland Browns. It might be a while before he gets on the field, but his athletic gifts could make Colts fans very pleased with this pick.
Colts TE Kylen Granson: 83
Granson picks up his college number from his SMU days, and he will follow in the footsteps of players like Brandon Stokley and Raiders Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks. If the speedy tight end is half as good as Hendricks, Indy got a good one.
Colts SAF Shawn Davis: 31
Davis flipped between No. 6 and No. 31 in college, and he’s sticking with his old number in the pros. An athletic defensive back, Davis will likely contribute on special teams this season.
Colts QB Sam Ehlinger: 4
After a very productive college career at Texas with the No. 11, Ehlinger makes the switch to Adam Vinatieri’s old number in the pros. While he may be QB3 on the roster right now, he will compete with Jacob Eason for the backup job.
Colts WR Mike Strachan: 17
Strachan is coming from the Division II ranks, but the 6-5, 225-pound receiver is an athletic marvel. The No. 17 should fit him quite nicely.
Colts OT Will Fries: 75
It remains unknown if Fries will remain at tackle or kick inside to guard, but what is known is that he somehow snagged Chris Hinton’s old number. Not bad, rookie.
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