Colts Rookies Disappoint According to ESPN Rankings

The Indianapolis Colts bought good manufacturing from a number of of its rookies in 2022 and might be enthusiastic about the way forward for gamers like Rodney Thomas II, Alec Pierce, and Bernhard Raimann amongst others.

However a current article from ESPN paints a distinct image of the Colts’ rookie class. Employees writers Aaron Schatz and Alex Vigderman took the duty of rating every of the rookie courses within the NFL, and the Colts got here in at a disappointing twenty first general.

Earlier than the season, no person would have anticipated seventh-round choose Rodney Thomas II to be the Colts’ most dear rookie of 2022. Nevertheless, the previous linebacker grabbed the free security place early within the season, finally beginning 10 video games and garnering 4 interceptions. Bernhard Raimann began 11 video games at left sort out, ending fortieth in RBWR however a poor sixtieth in PBWR. Huge receiver Alec Pierce began 12 video games and completed with 41 catches for 593 yards and two touchdowns. Tight finish Jelani Woods got here on late within the season with 18 catches for 233 yards simply within the Colts’ ultimate six video games. — Aaron Schatz and Alex Vigderman, ESPN

All rankings of this type are subjective, however the Colts can think about themselves a bit laborious accomplished by the World Huge Chief on this occasion.

Raimann was the second highest graded lineman for the Colts by Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) coming in simply behind Braden Smith. A rookie left sort out rating twenty fifth general amongst tackles within the NFL within the third spherical? That is terrific worth. 

Amongst rookies, Raimann completed because the second-highest offensive sort out behind Braxton Jones of the Chicago Bears and third offensive lineman general with at the least 100 snaps in accordance with PFF.

10 offensive linemen had been drafted forward of Raimann. 

11 large receivers had already come off the board when the Colts chosen Alec Pierce within the third spherical. Pierce completed sixth amongst rookies in receiving yards with 593 and two touchdowns. 

ESPN made reference to the steal Rodney Thomas was within the seventh spherical. Thomas had his rookie-growing pains, however he appears like he might lock down the protection place for years to come back.   

Contemplating the Colts did not have a 1st-round choose in 2022, getting terrific manufacturing from three picks together with left sort out and large receiver in all probability warrants a greater rating than 21 general.