Meet the Colts’ 2024 NFL Draft class: Grades for all 9 picks

Laiatu Latu – DE – First round (15th overall)

Latu was one of the most productive edge defenders in this year’s draft. However, he suffered a scary neck injury in college that had the University of Washington medical staff advising him to end his football career. The Colts are accepting the risk that Latu’s NFL career will definitively come to an if he suffers a reinjury.

That said, Laiatu Latu’s talent and production is worth the risk. Latu draws pro comparisons to T.J. Watt and was ultra productive in his final two seasons of his collegiate career at UCLA. He topped 10 sacks in each of those seasons and won several awards and honors.

The Colts have to be excited to see him line up opposite of Kwity Paye in the future.

Grade: B+

Adonai Mitchell – WR – Second round (52nd overall)

Mitchell is a naturally talented receiver who was a productive part of Texas’ offense. He boasts shifty speed and is a red zone weapon at 6’2″ who can go up and get the ball.

The concerns around Mitchell stem from effort concerns and a few unpolished areas of his technique. Some teams stay away from players who are not willing run blockers or who don’t give it their all on every play. The Colts did their homework and were okay grabbing Mitchell in the second round. It will be interesting to see how he fits into a Colts offense that already has weapons in Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., and Josh Downs.

Grade: B

Matt Goncalves – T – Third round (79th overall)

Goncalves slid down the draft board after missing most of his senior year due to an injury. He has experience playing both offensive tackle positions, which alone makes him a tempting prospect. Add on his strong physical traits and it’s hard not to like the pick.

Grade: B+

Tanor Bortolini – G – Fourth round (117th overall)

Bortolini is a versatile interior lineman who has the versatility to play both guard and center. He currently projects as center depth behind Ryan Kelly. Solid pick.

Grade: B

Anthony Gould – WR – Fifth round (142nd overall)

The Colts add another weapon in Gould. He is a shifty receiver who could eventually become the WR4 and provide some value on special teams.

Grade: C

Jaylon Carlies – LB – Fifth round (151st overall)

Carlies played safety in college and will likely transition to linebacker in the NFL. He is a strong player who can use his size to lay big hits on receivers and wipe out blockers in the run game. However, his coverage skills are not strong enough to play safety and may be passable at linebacker. A bit of a TBD evaluation.

Grade: C-

Jaylin Simpson – CB – Fifth round (164th overall)

Simpson played most of his collegiate career at cornerback but was a Second-Team All-SEC safety in 2023. Solid depth pick.

Grade: C+

Micah Abraham – CB – Sixth round (201st overall)

Abraham is a ball-hawking corner who projects as a special teamer primarily. Good process pick, but hard to see Abraham sticking on the final roster.

Grade: C

Jonah Laulu – DT – Seventh round (234th overall)

Simply a flyer pick. The Colts have a ton of depth at defensive tackle, so it is no sure thing that Laulu makes the final 53-man roster.

Grade: C