Colts lose major scouting weapon, Mike Derice, to New York Giants

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 01: Chris Ballard, general manager of the Indianapolis Colts speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 01: Chris Ballard, general manager of the Indianapolis Colts speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Longtime area scout, Mike Derice, is moving on from the Indianapolis Colts to join the scouting department of the New York Giants.

The Indianapolis Colts are coming off another great NFL Draft; something that has become commonplace during the Chris Ballard era in Indianapolis.

However, Ballard isn’t the only reason why. He has been open about the great team that Indy has to help pull off incredible selections. The Colts have also done a good job documenting that team.

From scouts to the Capologist, Indianapolis has a deep team in the front office. For many years, area scout Mike Derice was a part of that team. He is now moving on to the New York Giants.

Colts lose key scout Mike Derice

Derice joined Indianapolis in 2012 and proved to be a quality scout, remaining with the franchise through a general manager change. His ability hasn’t gone unnoticed.

That’s why Derice is elevating from an area scout with the Colts to the national scout for the New York Giants. 10 years of great work with Indy has afforded him this terrific opportunity.

The Giants are currently undergoing a major overhaul. They’ve hired Joe Schoen as the new general manager, Brian Daboll as the new head coach, and made many other personnel changes.

Adding Derice is the latest move in this period of transition for New York. Fortunately for the Colts, they waited until Derice could finish his final draft season with Indy.

In Indianapolis’ video documentation of the Draft, Derice is featured for finding Indy’s final pick: defensive back Rodney Thomas II out of Yale.

https://twitter.com/coachdott/status/1522671905240715267?s=21&t=ptQJqaVb3h1k82Vzv_McGA

Mike Derice leaves Colts with one last find

In his final draft with the team, it was Derice’s work as an area scout that led to Indy’s final selection in the seventh round.

Rodney Thomas II is a versatile and athletic defensive back and the hope is that he can provide depth for the Colts’ secondary. There’s a chance that he could develop into even more.

If Thomas does become an impact player for the Colts he will also serve as the final gift Derice provided Indianapolis with at the conclusion of his 10 years.