It has been 5 years since Chris Ballard performed his first draft as normal supervisor of the Indianapolis Colts.
Rather a lot has modified since that first draft, which included eight alternatives throughout the first 5 rounds. Solely one in all them stays with the crew, and that wound up being defensive sort out Grover Stewart.
Bleacher Report just lately determined to look again on the 2017 draft hauls for every crew. Right here’s how they re-graded the Colts’ group of eight alternatives:
Malik Hooker might have produced much more if not for accidents. Regardless of lacking 28 video games with the Colts, he confirmed glimpses of his ball-hawking abilities, logging 11 go breakups and 7 interceptions in 36 outings (35 begins). Indianapolis declined his fifth-year choice and allowed him to depart in free company final yr.
Marlon Mack held the lead position within the backfield for consecutive seasons, dashing for 1,999 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2018 and 2019. In Week 1 of the 2020 marketing campaign, he tore his Achilles, and Jonathan Taylor took excessive spot.
In 2021, Indianapolis re-signed Mack, however he hasn’t rediscovered his pre-injury type. Now, the 26-year-old is in competition for the lead spot with the Houston Texans.
Grover Stewart and Anthony Walker Jr. earned distinguished roles within the entrance seven. The previous signed a three-year extension throughout the 2020 season. The latter made 12 begins with the Cleveland Browns in 2021.
The Colts’ 2017 group doesn’t have any star energy, however the entrance workplace deserves credit score for locating three starting-caliber skills on Day 3. The whiffs on Day 2 harm the general grade although.
Grade: C+
Whereas Hooker by no means really panned out in the long term because the Colts had hoped, they did get some strong manufacturing from plenty of gamers within the class. Cornerback Quincy Wilson supplied near nothing however wound up being the participant traded for the decide that resulted in cornerback Isaiah Rodgers.
Stewart is the crown jewel of the category. He has quietly turn into among the finest one-techniques within the NFL, and he’s confirmed to have a powerful influence in the course of the line of defense.
Mack turned out to be a strong starter earlier than Jonathan Taylor got here alongside whereas Anthony Walker Jr. was a powerful chief and made an influence on early downs.
Rather a lot has modified since this draft, however it should at all times be considerably vital as a result of it gave us our first take a look at how Ballard conducts the entrance workplace via the pre-draft course of.
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