Early Colts 3-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Which prospects will make Indy a contender?
Colts select CB Denzel Burke with the 47th overall pick
Another pick that was heavily considered between two picks, but because of Coleman being selected in the first round, Denzel Burke could not get passed up here. The cornerback room has been very bad this season. With Isaiah Rodgers Sr. being suspended and basically everyone getting injured through the first 10 games, this shows how weak the Colts depth is at the position.
Burke has improved over his first two seasons at Ohio State with a PFF grade of 82.3. In 2023, he's allowed 19 receptions after 38 targets in eight games and quarterbacks have a passer rating of 58.4 against him.
It's important to remember here that sometimes talent isn't always translated in college, but they become successful in the NFL. JuJu Brents was not highly touted last year at Kansas State, but he turned into a stud for the Colts in his short time this season.
Burke is a player that can eventually slide opposite of Brents and be a starting corner, but it may take some time. If a cornerback is selected in the second round, I woud trust Ballard to get the guy. His history of drafting corners in the second round has been pretty solid.