6 potential late-round steals that should be on the Colts radar

The Indianapolis Colts have found a ton of talent on Day 3 of the NFL Draft in the past, and this year’s draft is shaping up to be no different.

As the 2023 NFL Draft draws near the Indianapolis Colts are finalizing visits with prospects and narrowing down the field of who they may take come April 27. While most of the focus has been spent on the Colts' 4th-overall pick, this isn't to say that Chris Ballard and the front office aren't prepared for the later rounds. In fact, this has been where Ballard has shined and found several diamonds in the rough.

Since Ballard took over in 2017 he has drafted 32 players on Day 3 (rounds 4 through 7). This has included the likes of Marlon Mack, Grover Stewart, Nyheim Hines, Zaire Franklin, EJ Speed, Isaiah Rodgers, Rodney Thomas II, etc. Ballard has proven his ability to move back in the draft, accumulating more picks, while still selecting talented players.

Let's take a look at some potential Day 3 (rounds 4-7) steals in the 2023 NFL Draft that Indianapolis may already have their eyes on.

Steals Colts can find in Round 4

Currently Indy only has one pick in the fourth round, 106th overall. This is the third pick in the fourth round to kick off Day 3.

Nathaniel "Tank" Dell is a name to be on everyone's radar as we wenter the 2023 NFL Draft. At 5-foot-8, 165 pounds, he is undersized for a wide receiver but makes up for it in explosiveness and route running. He finished last season at Houston with over 1300 yards and 15 touchdowns on over 100 receptions.

He primarily lined up in the slot which is a position the Colts have been looking to fill. He has shown he can stretch the field. He has lined up in several positions on offense and could be an all-around threat that will require specific defensive attention. His speed and quickness in his feet help him off the block and separate from defenders.

The knock on Dell is his size/frame and his lack of a specific role. While some may see this as an advantage it could very easily lead to Dell being beat out on certain teams that already have good skill players on offense. However, with the slot being a position of need and new head coach Shane Steichen wanting to stretch the field, Dell could be an asset Indianapolis acquires.

If Chris Ballard could build the mold for his ideal edge rusher then Yaya Diaby would almost fit perfectly in that mold. At 6-foot-3, 263 pounds, with an arm length of 33 7/8" and hand size of 10 3/8", he checks the box for size in Ballard's book and also has the inherant athletic traits he is looking for as well. He ran the 40-yard dash at the combine in 4.51 seconds which ranked sixth among defensive ends.

Like Dell, Diaby is coming off his most productive collegiate season recording 7.5 sacks and 33 total tackles for the Louisville Cardinals. He shines as a pass rusher when he can use his arms and strength to get past a blocker.

The Colts are an ideal landing spot for Diaby where he can be a rotational pass rusher while he works to develop his skills in the run game. He can benefit from the veteran presence on the defensive line while also getting time in the mix with Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo. Being able to work with Colts' legend Robert Mathis wouldn't be terrible either.