Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft saw the Indianapolis Colts try and finally get themselves an elite pass rusher to add to a group that's already been great at pursuing the quarterback.
The Colts have done a nice job in the sack department, but it's been a team effort. They hadn't yet found that cornerstone pass rusher, but at no. 15 overall Thursday night, Indy took their shot at one, selecting UCLA standout Laiatu Latu.
With Latu in the fold, Indy now enters Day 2 with some key needs still needing to be addressed.
The Colts have two picks Friday night, at the moment, with their second rounder coming at no. 46 and third rounder coming in at no. 82 overall. Where should they go with that first pick? They could have a shot at some extreme value.
Best available players on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri
Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Out of all positions and players available, cornerback looks like the most likely target for the Colts. And fortunately for Indy, there are some phenomenal players left at the position. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cooper DeJean and Ennis Rakestraw were all potential first-round picks, yet they're still on the board after Round 1.
DeJean, specifically, had been often mocked to the Colts at pick no. 15, in fact. If the Colts do indeed like him a lot, trading up a few picks and securing him could be the move, here.
Indy has done a great job retaining their own players this offseason, proving they're ready to go all-in on Anthony Richardson and try to make a run in the coming years. So, if they can land a top cornerback or even another weapon on offense, in Rounds 2 and 3, they'd be setting themselves up for an even better season in 2024.
Speaking of wide receiver, picture the Colts adding a guy like Keon Coleman opposite of Michael Pittman Jr. The size and overwhelming physical ability of the two of them could be a whole lot of fun for Richardson to work with.
Whatever route the Colts go in Round 2, at the very least, it appears they'll be getting a strong value in all likelihood.