It’s well documented the love that GM Chris Ballard has for the trenches on both sides of the ball. The needs for this team are vast and wide, but when in doubt, go for depth at the line at scrimmage. Injuries have put DeForest Buckner on the bench for a chunk of the season, and the need for more defensive line help has been accentuated. That brings us to our next candidate as we start some Round 3 candidates.
2025 NFL Draft
Round 3/Pick #77
The Indianapolis Colts Select
Dontay Corleone/DT - Cincinnati
Nicknamed “The Godfather,” Corleone has jumped up draft boards this season for reasons other than his last name. He's a bit undersized for the position, and undersized to what the franchise typically looks for when scouting. To be specific, it’s the height that is a bit small for the position. Corleone’s measuables are 6’1 and 320 pounds. A nearly three-year starter for the Bearcats squad, he was named to the All-Big 12 2nd team in 2023.
Highest Graded Defensive Tackle Since 2022:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 8, 2024
🔴 Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati: 92.7 pic.twitter.com/aaTxHT4ng5
While he does not match up with the size the franchise typically looks for, he makes up for it in his relentlessness and motor. Not known for his pass rush abilities, he is a run stuffer. He has terrific quickness, both laterally and horizontally. Steichen and his staff love guys like Corleone. As mentioned, his motor is relentless, and he plays hard on every single down.
The Colts duo of Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner are set for the next couple of years. However, the depth could be an issue in the short term. Rotational piece Taven Bryan will be a free agent next season. Raekwon Davis is signed through 2026, but they do have an out in the contract next season with only $2.5 million in dead money... which is very reasonable, or Davis is paid nearly $9 million towards the cap. Corleone would fill a potential need at a reasonable rookie rate that will allow him to grow with two All-Pro players as mentors.