Colts’ nickname for Dayo Odeyingbo proves they’re high on his potential

On the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft, Indianapolis Colts fans were gearing up for general manager Chris Ballard to take an offensive tackle with the No. 54 overall pick.

That was by far their biggest need, and the organization already checked a box in the first round with the Kwity Paye selection at No. 21. The pass rush need was settled after he fell to them.

But Ballard doubled down on defense (and pass rusher again!) and went with Vanderbilt defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, which was a head-scratcher for many since he’s coming off a torn Achilles, won’t be ready until October, and didn’t necessarily fill a void.

Fans were admittedly confused and some were upset. We went as far to even say the Colts blew it because their time to capitalize and contend is now. There aren’t many more chances to take. But with the way the Colts’ scouting department is hyping up Odeyingbo, perhaps fans should be thrilled.

The Colts scouting department gave Dayo Odeyingbo an awesome nickname.

They’ve been calling him “Hurricane Dayo” and that might tell you all you need to know.

He’s 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, possesses an insane wingspan (86 3/8″!) and has tremendous speed for his size (he reportedly ran a 4.7 40-yard dash before suffering his season-ending injury).

Though he didn’t really burst onto the scene until his junior year, Odeyingbo impressively logged 72 tackles (20 for loss) and seven sacks in his last 20 games with the Commodores, who are famously out-matched in the ferocious SEC. Regardless, he managed to stand out.

https://twitter.com/LockedOnColts/status/1390358194069794817?s=20

He’s loving the nickname by the way. Here’s what he had to say after he finally heard about it:

"“I definitely see where the name comes from and I’d definitely like to live up to it,” he told 107.5 The Fan.“I think that’s a solid way to describe the way I play. That’s something I bring to the game. I like the name, so I hope it sticks. I’m excited to get out there and let the hurricane loose.”"

Fans will have to wait to see him suit up for the Colts, however. Odeyingbo’s rehab process following his injury may not allow him to take the field until October. Though that could change, the Colts aren’t going to rush him into action. Perhaps he’ll be eased into everything, kind of like how Julian Blackmon was last year coming off his torn ACL.

The good news? Hurricane season doesn’t end until December, so Odeyingbo will probably have the chance to put the NFL on notice when he’s activated.

Colts: Jim Irsay’s call to surprise second-round pick is actually amazing

Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard's draft room phone call to second-round pick Dayo Odeyingbo is another instant classic. Jim Irsay stole the show.