The Indianapolis Colts are typically one of the best teams in the league when it comes to finding talent in the undrafted free agent pool. Chris Ballard has once again lived up to that billing by pulling in one of the deepest UDFA classes in the league after pulling in a very talented draft class.
In addition to snagging Notre Dame quarterback Jack Coan, Indy caught one of the best defensive UDFAs on the market when they signed Miami Ohio linebacker/safety Sterling Weatherford. One of Oregon’s CJ Verdell, FIU’s D’Vonte Price, or Washington State’s Max Borghi will likely make the roster as a backup running back.
While several UDFAs will have a chance of making it onto the final 53-man roster, one player stands out above the rest. While he has had some injury concerns over the years, it’s still stunning that a star player with so much quality tape in the Big Ten was passed over 262 times.
After the draft, the Colts agreed to terms with former Nebraska linebacker JoJo Domann. While he is 24 years old and a bit undersized for the position at 228 pounds, Domann’s quality tape with the Cornhuskers and intensity on the field could help him beat out contenders for one of those final spots.
Jojo Domann has been the best available player on ESPN’s draft tracker for hours now. WTH. Kid can flat-out play. Someone is going to get a helluva bargain.
— Brett Baker (@BrettSBaker) April 30, 2022
JoJo Domann could make the Indianapolis Colts roster.
Domann has overcome two ACL tears and another injury that robbed him of a handful of games in 2021. Even with those issues and a lack of great speed, the fact that Domann has seen time at linebacker, slot corner, and safety should appeal to the Colts. With nine career forced fumbles, Domann can cause turnovers if he lays into a ball-carrier.
While Domann’s coverage ability will appeal to Indy’s coaching staff, his vice grip tackling and ability to make plays at the line of scrimmage will be what really sets him apart. Domann could be a valuable switchblade in sub packages during his rookie season with room to grow.
Still one of the best plays I’ve seen all season. Love the body control of Nebraska DS/LB JoJo Domann -both reacting to the route and keeping foot inbounds. Unfortunately he suffered season-ending inj this game but Domann had a great career and could land on Day 2 of 2022 draft pic.twitter.com/wv9l9ZucdZ
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) November 15, 2021
Indianapolis’ linebacker depth behind Darius Leonard isn’t exactly anything to write home about. Zaire Franklin has some utility, but EJ Speed shouldn’t go into this season assuming his roster spot is locked in.
Domann is no stranger to defying the odds, as a player with less intestinal fortitude and determination might have hung it up after seeing his body betray him to such an insane degree. After working his way back to stardom in Lincoln, Domann’s versatility might be enough to get him a role with a professional team.
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