The Indianapolis Colts’ first selection in the 2022 NFL Draft will be in the second round. How have they drafted in the second round in recent years?
The 2022 NFL Draft is almost here and the Indianapolis Colts still don’t have a first-round pick. Chances are, it will remain that way for Indy.
The Colts’ first selection isn’t until the second round at No. 42 overall. While the team has met with prospects that will probably be taken in the first round, it’s unlikely that Indy trades up.
That’s alright though because there should be plenty of talented picks in the second round. That’s something that Indianapolis should know from experience.
Entering the Draft without a first-round pick isn’t new territory for Indy. In the five Drafts since Chris Ballard took over as general manager, the Colts have only made three first-round selections.
In the two other Drafts, Indy’s first selection didn’t come until day two, just like this year’s Draft. How did those picks work out for Indianapolis?
“The #Colts selection of...Darius Leonard with the fourth pick in the second round was one of the draft’s worst moves”https://t.co/m3T2SzLD5G pic.twitter.com/CKoER2J41K
— Freezing Cold Takes (@OldTakesExposed) September 19, 2018
How well do the Colts draft in the second round?
Chris Ballard and his team have been praised for Indy’s performances in the Drafts and a lot of that work has been done in the second round.
Since 2017, Ballard’s first Draft, the Colts have made 11 second-round selections. Luckily, this has been a case of quantity as well as quality.
Here’s a list of the 11 selections:
- Quincy Wilson, CB, 2017, No. 46 overall
- Darius Leonard, LB, 2018, No. 36 overall
- Braden Smith, G, 2018, No. 37 overall
- Kemoko Turay, DE, 2018, No. 52 overall
- Tyquan Lewis, DE, 2018, No. 64 overall
- Rock Ya-Sin, CB, 2019, No. 34 overall
- Ben Banogu, DE, 2019, No. 49 overall
- Parris Campbell, WR, 2019, No. 59 overall
- Michael Pittman Jr., WR, 2020, No. 34 overall
- Jonathan Taylor, RB, 2020, No. 41 overall
- Dayo Odeyingbo, DL, 2021, No. 54 overall
A look at that list and it’s fair to say that the Colts have done pretty good in the second round. Eight of the 11 players are still with Indianapolis and one was just traded away to acquire Pro Bowler Yannick Ngakoue.
Of the eight players still on Indy’s roster, five are starters. Darius Leonard and Jonathan Taylor are All-Pro players that are arguably the best at their positions in the league.
Michael Pittman Jr. is coming off a breakout season and is establishing himself as a No. 1 receiver and Braden Smith has been pretty good at right tackle.
Parris Campbell has struggled with injuries but Indy remains optimistic about his talent if he stays healthy.
Overall, this is a pretty good list of second-round picks that should be encouraging as the Colts approach the 2022 NFL Draft. With this type of history in the second round, Indy should be getting another good player at No. 42.
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