Colts Rumors

Colts Exercise DE Kwity Paye’s Fifth-Year Option

May 2nd, 2024 at 2:52pm CST by Adam La Rose

Kwity Paye will remain in the Colts’ plans for at least the next two years. The ascending edge rusher had his 2025 fifth-year option picked up on Thursday, per a team announcement.

Selected 21st overall, Paye was the third edge rusher to hear his name called in 2021. He has been a major factor in the Colts’ front seven since his rookie season, logging 43 games to date (all starts). The 25-year-old has seen his production increase incrementally each year, from four to six to 8.5 sacks.

Given the Colts’ preference for retaining their own, coupled with Paye’s durability and statistics, today’s move comes as no surprise. Qualifying for the lowest-valued option, the Michigan product will collect $13.4MM in 2025 barring a long-term extension being worked out before then. In the immediate future, he should remain a full-time starter in Indianapolis’ edge contingent.

Of course, that group saw a rather notable addition this weekend. During the first round of the 2024 draft, the Colts became the first team to select a defensive player. They added edge rusher Laiatu Latu 15th overall, providing the team with a high-upside prospect (albeit one with a notable injury history). Latu and Paye will be an intriguing young pairing along the edge for at least the next two seasons.

With respect to veteran defensive ends, Indianapolis has 2023 addition Samson Ebukam attached to a $24MM deal. The team also retained Tyquan Lewis at the outset of free agency on a two-year, $12MM pact. The Colts extended defensive tackle DeForest Buckner recently, and he will remain a focal point of their pass rush along the interior.

Overall, Indianapolis ranked fifth in sacks last season despite no one player reaching double digits. That by-committee approach will continue moving forward, and Paye’s ability to continue progressing will be a key storyline for the team. Another career-year could set himself up for a notable payday, but even if that does not take place the option price will be somewhat reasonable given the top of the edge market. With Latu in place as a future starter, Paye’s performance in 2024 will be worth monitoring closely.

2024 NFL Draft Results: Team By Team

April 27th, 2024 at 10:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here is every team’s haul from the 2024 NFL Draft:

Arizona Cardinals

Round 1, No. 4: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
Round 1, No. 27 (from Texans): Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri)
Round 2, No. 43 (from Falcons): Max Melton (CB, Rutgers)
Round 3, No. 66: Trey Benson, RB (Florida State)
Round 3, No. 71 (from Titans): Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois)
Round 3, No. 82 (from Colts): Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois)
Round 3, No. 90 (from Texans): Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)
Round 4, No. 104: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S, Texas Tech)
Round 5, No. 138: Xavier Thomas (EDGE, Clemson)
Round 5, No. 162 (from Texans): Christian Jones (OT, Texas)
Round 6, No. 191 (from Colts): Tejhaun Palmer (WR, UAB)
Round 7, No. 226 (from Giants): Jaden Davis (CB, Miami)

Atlanta Falcons

Round 1, No. 8: Michael Penix Jr (QB, Washington)
Round 2, No. 35 (from Cardinals): DT Ruke Orhorhoro
Round 3, No. 74: Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
Round 4, No. 109: Brandon Dorlus (DT, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 143: JD Bertrand (LB, Notre Dame)
Round 6, No. 186 (from Vikings through Cardinals): Jase McClellan (RB, Alabama)
Round 6, No. 187: Casey Washington (WR, Illinois)
Round 6, 197 (from Browns): Zion Logue (DT, Georgia)

Baltimore Ravens

Round 1, No. 30: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson) (signed)
Round 2, No. 62: Roger Rosengarten (T, Washington) (signed)
Round 3, No. 93: Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State)
Round 4, No. 113 (from Broncos through Jets): Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina)
Round 4, No. 130: T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State) (signed)
Round 5, No. 165: Rasheen Ali (RB, Marshall)
Round 6, No. 218 (from Jets): Devin Leary (QB, Kentucky)
Round 7, No. 228 (from Jets): Nick Samac (C, Michigan State) (signed)
Round 7, No. 250: Sanoussi Kane (S, Purdue) (signed)

Buffalo Bills

Round 2, No. 33 (from Panthers): Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State)
Round 2, No. 60: Cole Bishop (S, Utah)
Round 3, No. 95 (from Chiefs): DeWayne Carter, DT (Duke)
Round 4, No. 128: Ray Davis (RB, Kentucky)
Round 5, No. 141 (from Giants through Panthers): Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (C, Georgia)
Round 5, No. 160 (from Packers): Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB, Washington)
Round 5, No. 168 (from Saints): Javon Solomon (EDGE, Troy)
Round 6, No. 204: Tylan Grable (T, Central Florida)
Round 6, No. 219 (from Packers): Daequan Hardy (CB, Penn State)
Round 7, No. 221 (from Panthers through Titans and Chiefs): Travis Clayton (T, England)

Carolina Panthers

Round 1, No. 32 (from Chiefs through Bills): Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina)
Round 2, No. 46 (from Colts): Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas)
Round 3, No. 72 (from Jets): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 101: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas)
Round 5, No. 157 (from Browns through Vikings): Chau Smith-Wade (CB, Washington State)
Round 6: No. 200 (from Cowboys through Texans and Bills): Jaden Crumedy (DT, Mississippi State)
Round 7, No. 240 (from Steelers): Michael Barrett (LB, Michigan)

Chicago Bears

Round 1: No. 1 (from Panthers): Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
Round 1, No. 9: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
Round 3, No. 75: Kiran Amegadjie (T, Yale)
Round 4, No. 122 (from Eagles): Tory Taylor (P, Iowa)
Round 5: No. 144 (reacquired from Bills): Austin Booker (EDGE, Kansas State)

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1, No. 18: Amarius Mims (T, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 49: Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 80: Jermaine Burton, WR (Alabama)
Round 3, No. 97: McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
Round 4, No. 115: Erick All (TE, Iowa)
Round 5, No. 149: Josh Newton (CB, TCU)
Round 6, No. 194: Tanner McLachlan (TE, Arizona)
Round 6, No. 214: Cedric Johnson (DE, Ole Miss)
Round 7, No. 224 (from Cardinals through Texans): Daijahn Anthony (DB, Mississippi State)
Round 7, No. 237: Matt Lee (C, Miami)

Cleveland Browns

Round 2, No. 54: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State)
Round 3, No. 85: Zak Zinter (G, Michigan)
Round 5, No. 156 (from Eagles through Cardinals): Jamari Thrash (WR, Louisville)
Round 6, No. 206 (from Ravens): Nathaniel Watson (LB, Mississippi State)
Round 7, No. 227 (from Titans): Myles Harden (CB, South Dakota)
Round 7, No. 243: Jowon Briggs (DT, Cincinnati)

Dallas Cowboys

Round 1, No. 29 (from Lions): Tyler Guyton (T, Oklahoma)
Round 2, No. 56: Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE, Western Michigan)
Round 3, No. 73 (from Vikings through Lions): Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
Round 3, No. 87: Marist Liufau (LB, Notre Dame)
Round 5, No. 174: Caelen Carson (CB, Wake Forest)
Round 6, No. 216: Ryan Flournoy (WR, Southeast Missouri State)
Round 7, No. 233 (from Raiders): Nathan Thomas (T, Louisiana-Lafayette)
Round 7, No. 244: Justin Rogers (DT, Auburn)

Denver Broncos

Round 1, No. 12: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
Round 3, No. 76: Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah)
Round 4, No. 102 (from Commanders through Seahawks): Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 145 (from Jets): Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri)
Round 5, No. 147: Audric Estime (RB, Notre Dame)
Round 7, No. 235 (from Seahawks): Devaughn Vele (WR, Utah)
Round 7, No. 256 (from Jets): Nick Gargiulo (C, South Carolina)

Round 1, No. 24 (from Cowboys): Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)
Round 2, No. 61: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri)
Round 4, No. 126 (from Packers through Jets): Giovanni Manu (T, British Columbia)
Round 6, No. 189 (from Broncos through Rams, Bills and Texans): Mekhi Wingo (DT, LSU)
Round 6, No. 201 (from Buccaneers): Christian Mahogany (G, Boston College)

Green Bay Packers

Round 1, No. 25: Jordan Morgan (T, Arizona)
Round 2, No. 45 (from Broncos through Saints): Edgerrin Cooper (LB, Texas A&M)
Round 2, No. 58: Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 88: MarShawn Lloyd (RB, USC)
Round 3, No. 91 (from Bills): Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri)
Round 4, No. 111 (from Jets): Evan Williams (S, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 163 (from Bills): Jacob Monk (C, Duke)
Round 5, No. 169: Kitan Oladapo (S, Oregon State)
Round 6, No. 202: Travis Glover (T, Georgia State)
Round 7, No. 245: Michael Pratt (QB, Tulane) (signed)
Round 7, No. 255: Kalen King (CB, Penn State) (signed)

Houston Texans

Round 2, No. 42 (from Vikings): Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 59: Blake Fisher (T, Notre Dame)
Round 3, No. 78 (from Seahawks through Commanders and Eagles): Calen Bullock (S, USC)
Round 4, No. 123 (from Browns through Texans): Cade Stover (TE, Ohio State)
Round 6, No. 188 (from Raiders through Patriots and Vikings): Jamal Hill (LB, Oregon)
Round 6, No. 205: Jawhar Jordan (RB, Louisville)
Round 7, No. 238 (from Saints): Solomon Byrd (EDGE, USC)
Round 7, No. 247: Marcus Harris (DT, Auburn)
Round 7, No. 249: LaDarius Henderson (G, Michigan)

Indianapolis Colts

Round 1, No. 15: Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA)
Round 2, No. 52 (from Panthers): Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas)
Round 3, No. 79 (from Jaguars through Falcons): Matt Goncalves (T, Pittsburgh)
Round 4, No. 117: Tanor Bortolini (C, Wisconsin)
Round 5, No. 142 (from Titans through Panthers): Anthony Gould (WR, Oregon State)
Round 5, No. 151: Jaylon Carlies (S, Missouri)
Round 5, No. 164 (from Lions through Eagles): Jaylin Simpson (S, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 210: Micah Abraham (CB, Marshall)
Round 7, No. 234: Jonah Laulu (DT, Oklahoma)

Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 1, No. 23 (from Browns through Texans and Vikings): Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU)
Round 2, No. 48: Maason Smith (DT, LSU)
Round 3, No. 96: Jarrian Jones (CB, Florida State)
Round 4, No. 114: Javon Foster (T, Missouri)
Round 4, No. 116 (from Saints): Jordan Jefferson (DT, LSU)
Round 5, No. 153: Deantre Prince (CB, Ole Miss)
Round 5, No. 167 (from Chiefs through Vikings): Keilan Robinson (RB, Texas)
Round 6, No. 212: Cam Little (K, Arkansas)
Round 7, No. 236: Myles Cole (DE, Texas Tech)

Kansas City Chiefs

Round 1, No. 28 (from Bills): Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas)
Round 2, No. 63 (from 49ers): Kingsley Suamataia (T, BYU)
Round 4, No. 131: Jared Wiley (TE, TCU)
Round 4, No. 133 (from Bills): Jaden Hicks (S, Washington State)
Round 5, No. 159 (from Cowboys): Hunter Nourzad (C, Penn State)
Round 6, No. 211 (from 49ers): Kamal Hadden (CB, Tennessee)
Round 7, No. 248 (from Bills): C.J. Hanson (G, Holy Cross)

Las Vegas Raiders

Round 1, No. 13: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 44: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon)
Round 3, No. 77: Delmar Glaze (T, Maryland)
Round 4, No. 112: Decamerion Richardson (CB, Mississippi State)
Round 5, No. 148: Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State)
Round 6, No. 208 (from Chiefs): Dylan Laube (RB, New Hampshire)
Round 7, No. 223 (from Patriots): Trey Taylor (S, Air Force)
Round 7, No. 229 (from Vikings): MJ Devonshire (CB, Pitt)

Los Angeles Chargers

Round 1, No. 5: Joe Alt (T, Notre Dame)
Round 2, No. 34 (via Patriots): Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 69: Junior Colson (LB, Michigan)
Round 4, No. 105: Justin Eboigbe (DL, Alabama)
Round 4, No. 137 (from Chargers): Tarheeb Still (CB, Maryland)
Round 5, No. 140: Cam Hart (CB, Notre Dame)
Round 6, No. 181: Kimani Vidal (RB, Troy)
Round 7, No. 225: Brenden Rice (WR, USC)
Round 7, No. 253: Cornelius Johnson (WR, Michigan)

Los Angeles Rams

Round 1, No. 19: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
Round 2, No. 39 (from Panthers): Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State)
Round 3, No. 83: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 99: Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)
Round 5, No. 154: Brennan Jackson (WR, Washington State)
Round 6, No. 196: Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson)
Round 6, No. 209: Joshua Karty (K, Stanford)
Round 6, No. 213: Jordan Whittington (WR, Texas)
Round 6, No. 217: Beaux Limmer (C, Arkansas)
Round 7, No. 254: KT Leveston (G, Kansas State)

Miami Dolphins

Round 1, No. 21: Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State)
Round 2, No. 55: Patrick Paul (T, Houston)
Round 4, No. 120 (from Rams through Steelers and Eagles): Jaylen Wright (RB, Tennessee)
Round 5, No. 158: Mohamed Kamara (EDGE, Colorado State)
Round 6, No. 184 (from Bears): Malik Washington (WR, Virginia)
Round 6, No. 198: Patrick McMorris (S, Cal)
Round 7, No. 241: Tahj Washington (WR, USC)

Minnesota Vikings

Round 1, No 10 (via Jets): J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
Round 1, No. 17 (via Jaguars): Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
Round 4, No. 108: Khyree Jackson (CB, Oregon)
Round 6, No. 177 (from Panthers through Jaguars): Walter Rouse (T, Oklahoma)
Round 6: No. 203 (from Texans through Browns, Broncos and Jets): Will Reichard (K, Alabama)
Round 7, No. 230 (from Falcons through Browns and Cardinals): Michael Jurgens (C, Wake Forest)
Round 7, No. 232 (from Broncos through 49ers and Texans): Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT, Texas A&M Commerce)

New England Patriots

Round 1, No. 3: Drake Maye (QB, UNC)
Round 2, No. 37 (via Chargers): Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, Washington)
Round 3, No. 68: Caeden Wallace (T, Penn State)
Round 4, No. 103: Layden Robinson (G, Texas A&M)
Round 5, No. 110 (from Bears through Chargers): Javon Baker (WR, Central Florida)
Round 6, No. 180: Marcellas Dial (CB, South Carolina)
Round 6, No. 193 (from Jaguars): Joe Milton III (QB, Tennessee)
Round 7, No. 231 (from Bears): Jaheim Bell (TE, Florida State)

New Orleans Saints

Round 1, No. 14: Taliese Fuaga (OL, Oregon State)
Round 2, No. 41 (from Jets through Packers): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
Round 5, No. 150: Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina)
Round 5, No. 170: Bub Means (WR, Pittsburgh)
Round 5, No. 175: Jaylan Ford (LB, Texas)
Round 6, No. 199 (from Eagles): Khristian Boyd (DT, Northern Iowa)
Round 7, No. 239 (from Rams through Broncos): Josiah Ezirim (T, Eastern Kentucky)

New York Giants

Round 1, No. 6: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU)
Round 2, No. 47 (from Seahawks): Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota)
Round 3, No. 70: Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 107: Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State)
Round 5, No. 166 (from 49ers through Panthers): Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB, Purdue)
Round 6, No. 183: Darius Muasau (LB, UCLA)

New York Jets

Round 1, No. 11 (via Vikings): Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
Round 3, No. 65 (from Panthers): Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 134 (from Ravens): Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin)
Round 5, No. 171: Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State)
Round 5, No. 173 (from Chiefs): Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State)
Round 5, No. 176 (from 49ers): Qwan’Tez Stiggers (CB, Toronto Argonauts)
Round 7, No. 257: Jaylen Key (DB, Alabama)

Philadelphia Eagles

Round 1, No. 22: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo)
Round 2, No. 40 (from Bears through Commanders): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa)
Round 3, No. 94 (from 49ers): Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Houston Christian)
Round 4, No. 127 (from Eagles): Will Shipley (RB, Clemson)
Round 4, No. 132 (from 49ers): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
Round 5, No. 155 (from Steelers through Rams, Panthers and Colts): Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson)
Round 5, No. 172: Trevor Keegan (G, Michigan)
Round 6, No. 185: Johnny Wilson (WR, Florida State) (signed)
Round 6, No. 190 (from Saints through Packers): Dylan McMahon (C, NC State)

Pittsburgh Steelers

Round 1, No. 20: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington)
Round 2, No. 51: Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia)
Round 3, No. 84: Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 98 (from Eagles): Payton Wilson (LB, NC State)
Round 4, No. 119: Mason McCormick (G, South Dakota State)
Round 6, No. 178 (from Cardinals through Panthers): Logan Lee (DT, Iowa)
Round 6, No. 195: Ryan Watts (CB, Texas)

San Francisco 49ers

Round 1, No. 31: Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida)
Round 2, No. 64 (from Chiefs): Renardo Green (CB, Florida State)
Round 3, No. 86 (from Eagles through Texans and Eagles): Dominick Puni (OL, Kansas)
Round 4, No. 124 (from Cowboys): Malik Mustapha (S, Wake Forest)
Round 4, No. 129 (from Lions through Vikings and Jets): Isaac Guerendo (RB, Louisville)
Round 4, No. 135: Jacob Cowing (WR, Arizona)
Round 6, No. 215: Jarrett Kingston (G, USC)
Round 7, No. 251: Tatum Bethune (LB, Florida State)

Seattle Seahawks

Round 1, No. 16: Byron Murphy (DT, Texas) (signed)
Round 3, No. 81 (from Saints through Broncos): Christian Haynes (G, UConn)
Round 4, No. 118: Tyrice Knight (LB, UTEP)
Round 4, No. 121 (from Dolphins through Broncos): AJ Barner (TE, Michigan)
Round 5, No. 136 (from Panthers through Browns and Broncos): Nehemiah Pritchett (CB, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 179 (from Commanders): Sataoa Laumea (G, Utah)
Round 6, No. 192: DJ James (CB, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 207 (from 49ers through Broncos): Michael Jerrell (T, Findlay)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Round 1, No. 26: Graham Barton (OL, Duke)
Round 2, No. 57: Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama)
Round 3, No. 89: Tykee Smith (S, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 92 (from Lions): Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington)
Round 4, No. 125: Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon)
Round 6, No. 220: Elijah Klein (G, UTEP)
Round 7, No. 246: Devin Culp (TE, Washington)

Tennessee Titans

Round 1, No. 7: JC Latham (T, Alabama)
Round 2, No. 38: T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas)
Round 4, No. 106: Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina)
Round 5, No. 146 (from Vikings through Eagles): Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (CB, Louisville)
Round 6, No. 182 (reacquired through Eagles): Jha’Quan Jackson (WR, Tulane)
Round 7, No. 242 (from Eagles): James Williams (S, Miami)
Round 7, No. 252 (from Chiefs): Jaylen Harrell (EDGE, Michigan)

Washington Commanders

Round 1, No. 2: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
Round 2, No. 36: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
Round 2, No. 50 (from Saints through Eagles): Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan)
Round 2, No. 53 (from Eagles): Ben Sinnott (TE, Kansas State)
Round 3, No. 67: Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU)
Round 3, No. 100 (from 49ers): Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice)
Round 5, No. 139: Jordan Magee (LB, Temple)
Round 5, No. 152 (from Seahawks): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
Round 5, No. 161 (from Buccaneers through Eagles): Dominique Hampton (S, Washington)
Round 7, No. 222: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame)

2024 NFL Draft Results: Round By Round

April 27th, 2024 at 10:42pm CST by Sam Robinson

From the No. 1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant (No. 257), here are the results from the 2024 NFL Draft:

Round 1

1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers): Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye (QB, UNC)
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt (T, Notre Dame)
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU)
7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham (T, Alabama)
8. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr (QB, Washington)
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
10. Minnesota Vikings (via Jets): J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
11. New York Jets (via Vikings): Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga (T, Oregon State)
15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA)
16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy (DT, Texas)
17. Minnesota Vikings (via Jaguars): Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims (T, Georgia)
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington)
21. Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State)
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo)
23 Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns through Texans and Vikings): Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU)
24. Detroit Lions (from Cowboys): Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan (T, Arizona)
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton (OL, Duke)
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri)
28. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills): Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas)
29. Dallas Cowboys (from Lions): Tyler Guyton (T, Oklahoma)
30. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson)
31. San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida)
32. Carolina Panthers (from Chiefs through Bills): Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina)

Round 2

33. Buffalo Bills (from Panthers): Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State)
34. Los Angeles Chargers (via Patriots): Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia)
35. Atlanta Falcons (from Cardinals): Ruke Orhorhoro (DT, Clemson)
36. Washington Commanders: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
37. New England Patriots (via Chargers): Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, Washington)
38. Tennessee Titans: T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas)
39. Los Angeles Rams (from Giants through Panthers): Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State)
40. Philadelphia Eagles (from Bears through Commanders): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa)
41. New Orleans Saints (from Jets through Packers): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
42. Houston Texans (from Vikings): Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia)
43. Arizona Cardinals (from Falcons): Max Melton (CB, Rutgers)
44. Las Vegas Raiders: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon)
45. Green Bay Packers (from Broncos through Saints): Edgerrin Cooper, LB (Texas A&M)
46. Carolina Panthers (from Colts): Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas)
47. New York Giants (from Seahawks): Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota)
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Maason Smith (DT, LSU)
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan)
50. Washington Commanders (from Saints through Eagles): Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan)
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia)
52. Indianapolis Colts (from Rams through Panthers): Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas)
53. Washington Commanders (from Eagles): Ben Sinnott (TE
54. Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State)
55. Miami Dolphins: Patrick Paul (T, Houston)
56. Dallas Cowboys: Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE, Western Michigan)
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama)
58. Green Bay Packers: Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)
59. Houston Texans: Blake Fisher (T, Notre Dame)
60. Buffalo Bills: Cole Bishop (S, Utah)
61. Detroit Lions: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri)
62. Baltimore Ravens: Roger Rosengarten (T, Washington)
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers): Kingsley Suamataia (T, BYU)
64. San Francisco 49ers (from Chiefs): Renardo Green (CB, Florida State)

Round 3

65. New York Jets (from Panthers): Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky)
66. Arizona Cardinals: Trey Benson, RB (Florida State)
67. Washington Commanders: Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU)
68. New England Patriots: Caeden Wallace (T, Penn State)
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Junior Colson (LB, Michigan)
70. New York Giants: Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky)
71. Arizona Cardinals (from Titans): Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois)
72. Carolina Panthers (from Jets): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky)
73. Dallas Cowboys (from Vikings through Lions): Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
74. Atlanta Falcons: Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
75. Chicago Bears: Kiran Amegadjie (T, Yale)
76. Denver Broncos: Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah)
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Delmar Glaze (T, Maryland)
78. Houston Texans (from Seahawks though Commanders and Eagles): Calen Bullock (S, USC)
79. Indianapolis Colts (from Jaguars through Falcons and Cardinals): Matt Goncalves (T, Pittsburgh)
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Burton, WR (Alabama)
81. Seattle Seahawks (from Saints through Broncos): Christian Haynes (G, UConn)
82. Arizona Cardinals (from Colts): Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois)
83. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan)
85. Cleveland Browns: Zak Zinter (G, Michigan)
86. San Francisco 49ers (from Eagles through Texans and Eagles): Dominick Puni (OL, Kansas)
87. Dallas Cowboys: Marist Liufau (LB, Notre Dame)
88. Green Bay Packers: MarShawn Lloyd (RB, USC)
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tykee Smith (S, Georgia)
90. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)
91. Green Bay Packers (from Bills): Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri)
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Lions): Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington)
93. Baltimore Ravens: Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State)
94. Philadelphia Eagles (from 49ers): Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Houston Christian)
95. Buffalo Bills (from Chiefs): DeWayne Carter (DT, Duke)
96. Jacksonville Jaguars*: Jarrian Jones (CB, Florida State)
97. Cincinnati Bengals*: McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
98. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Eagles)*: Payton Wilson (LB, NC State)
99. Los Angeles Rams*: Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)
100. Washington Commanders*: Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice)

Round 4

101. Carolina Panthers: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas)
102. Denver Broncos (from Commanders through Seahawks): Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon)
103. New England Patriots: Layden Robinson (G, Texas A&M)
104. Arizona Cardinals: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S, Texas Tech)
105. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Eboigbe (DL, Alabama)
106. Tennessee Titans: Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina)
107. New York Giants: Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State)
108. Minnesota Vikings: Khyree Jackson (CB, Oregon)
109. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Dorlus (DT, Oregon)
110. New England Patriots (from Bears through Chargers): Javon Baker (WR, Central Florida)
111. Green Bay Packers (from Jets): Evan Williams (S, Oregon)
112. Las Vegas Raiders: Decamerion Richardson (CB, Mississippi State)
113. Baltimore Ravens (from Broncos through Jets): Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina)
114. Jacksonville Jaguars: Javon Foster (T, Missouri)
115. Cincinnati Bengals: Erick All (TE, Iowa)
116. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Saints): Jordan Jefferson (DT, LSU)
117. Indianapolis Colts: Tanor Bortolini (C, Wisconsin)
118. Seattle Seahawks: Tyrice Knight (LB, UTEP)
119. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mason McCormick (G, South Dakota State)
120. Miami Dolphins (from Rams through Steelers and Eagles): Jaylen Wright (RB, Tennessee)
121. Seattle Seahawks (from Dolphins through Broncos): AJ Barner (TE, Michigan)
122. Chicago Bears (from Eagles): Tory Taylor (P, Iowa)
123. Houston Texans (from Browns through Texans and Eagles): Cade Stover (TE, Ohio State)
124. San Francisco 49ers (from Cowboys): Malik Mustapha (S, Wake Forest)
125. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon)
126. Detroit Lions (from Packers through Jets): Giovanni Manu (T, British Columbia)
127. Philadelphia Eagles (from Texans): Will Shipley (RB, Clemson)
128. Buffalo Bills: Ray Davis (RB, Kentucky)
129. San Francisco 49ers (from Lions through Vikings and Jets): Isaac Guerendo (RB, Louisville)
130. Baltimore Ravens: T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State)
131. Kansas City Chiefs: Jared Wiley (TE, TCU)
132. Detroit Lions (from 49ers through Eagles)*: Sione Vaki RB/S, Utah)
133. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills)*: Jaden Hicks (S, Washington State)
134. New York Jets*: Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin)
135. San Francisco 49ers*: Jacob Cowing (WR, Arizona)

Round 5

136. Seattle Seahawks (from Panthers through Browns and Broncos): Nehemiah Pritchett (CB, Auburn)
137. Los Angeles Chargers (through Patriots): Tarheeb Still (CB, Maryland)
138. Arizona Cardinals: Xavier Thomas (EDGE, Clemson)
139. Washington Commanders: Jordan Magee (LB, Temple)
140. Los Angeles Chargers: Cam Hart (CB, Notre Dame)
141. Buffalo Bills (from Giants through Panthers): Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (C, Georgia)
142. Indianapolis Colts (from Titans through Panthers): Anthony Gould (WR, Oregon State)
143. Atlanta Falcons: JD Bertrand (LB, Notre Dame)
144. Chicago Bears (reacquired from Bills): Austin Booker (EDGE, Kansas State)
145. Denver Broncos (from Jets): Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri)
146. Tennessee Titans (from Vikings through Eagles): Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (CB, Louisville)
147. Denver Broncos: Audric Estime (RB, Notre Dame)
148. Las Vegas Raiders: Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State)
149. Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Newton (CB, TCU)
150. New Orleans Saints: Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina)
151. Indianapolis Colts: Jaylon Carlies (S, Missouri)
152. Washington Commanders (from Seahawks): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
153. Jacksonville Jaguars: Deantre Prince (CB, Ole Miss)
154. Los Angeles Rams: Brennan Jackson (WR, Washington State)
155. Philadelphia Eagles (from Steelers through Rams, Panthers and Colts): Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson)
156. Cleveland Browns (from Eagles through Cardinals): Jamari Thrash (WR, Louisville)
157. Carolina Panthers (from Browns through Vikings and Jets): Chau Smith-Wade (CB, Washington State)
158. Miami Dolphins: Mohamed Kamara (EDGE, Colorado State)
159. Kansas City Chiefs (from Cowboys): Hunter Nourzad (C, Penn State)
160. Buffalo Bills (from Packers): Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB, Washington)
161. Washington Commanders (from Buccaneers through Eagles): Dominique Hampton (S, Washington)
162. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Christian Jones (T, Texas)
163. Green Bay Packers (from Bills) Jacob Monk (C, Duke)
164. Indianapolis Colts (from Lions through Eagles): Jaylin Simpson (S, Auburn)
165. Baltimore Ravens: Rasheen Ali (RB, Marshall)
166. New York Giants (from 49ers through Panthers): Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB, Purdue)
167. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Chiefs through Vikings): Keilan Robinson (RB, Texas)
168. Buffalo Bills (from Saints through Packers)*: Javon Solomon (EDGE, Troy)
169. Green Bay Packers*: Kitan Oladapo (S, Oregon State)
170. New Orleans Saints*: Bub Means (WR, Pittsburgh)
171. New York Jets (from Eagles)*: Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State)
172. Philadelphia Eagles*: Trevor Keegan (G, Michigan)
173. New York Jets (from Chiefs through 49ers)*: Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State)
174. Dallas Cowboys*: Caelen Carson (CB, Wake Forest)
175. New Orleans Saints*: Jaylan Ford (LB, Texas)
176. New York Jets (from 49ers)*: Qwan’Tez Stiggers (CB, Toronto Argonauts)

Round 6

177. Minnesota Vikings (from Panthers through Jaguars): Walter Rouse (T, Oklahoma)
178. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Cardinals through Panthers): Logan Lee (DT, Iowa)
179. Seattle Seahawks (from Commanders): Sataoa Laumea (G, Utah)
180. New England Patriots: Marcellas Dial (CB, South Carolina)
181. Los Angeles Chargers: Kimani Vidal (RB, Troy)
182. Tennessee Titans (reacquired from Eagles): Jha’Quan Jackson (WR, Tulane)
183. New York Giants: Darius Muasau (LB, UCLA)
184. Miami Dolphins (from Bears): Malik Washington (WR, Virginia)
185. Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Johnny Wilson (WR, Florida State)
186. Atlanta Falcons (from Vikings through Cardinals): Jase McClellan (RB, Alabama)
187. Atlanta Falcons: Casey Washington (WR, Illinois)
188. Houston Texans (from Raiders through Patriots and Vikings): Jamal Hill (LB, Oregon)
189. Detroit Lions (from Broncos through Rams, Bills and Texans): Mekhi Wingo (DT, LSU)
190. Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints through Packers and Jets): Dylan McMahon (C, NC State)
191. Arizona Cardinals (from Colts): Tejhaun Palmer (WR, UAB)
192. Seattle Seahawks: DJ James (CB, Auburn)
193. New England Patriots (from Jaguars): Joe Milton III (QB, Tennessee)
194. Cincinnati Bengals: Tanner McLachlan (TE, Arizona)
195. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Watts (CB, Texas)
196. Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson)
197. Atlanta Falcons (from Browns): Zion Logue (DT, Georgia)
198. Miami Dolphins: Patrick McMorris (S, Cal)
199. New Orleans Saints (from Eagles): Khristian Boyd (DT, Northern Iowa)
200. Carolina Panthers (from Cowboys through Texans and Bills): Jaden Crumedy (DT, Mississippi State)
201. Indianapolis Colts (from Buccaneers through Lions and Eagles): Micah Abraham (CB, Marshall)
202. Green Bay Packers: Travis Glover (T, Georgia State)
203. Minnesota Vikings (from Texans through Browns, Broncos and Jets): Will Reichard (K, Alabama)
204. Buffalo Bills: Tylan Grable (T, Central Florida)
205. Houston Texans (from Lions): Jawhar Jordan (RB, Louisville)
206. Cleveland Browns (from Ravens): Nathaniel Watson (LB, Mississippi State)
207. Seattle Seahawks (from 49ers and Broncos): Michael Jerrell (T, Findlay)
208. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chiefs): Dylan Laube (RB, New Hampshire)
209. Los Angeles Rams*: Joshua Karty (K, Stanford)
210. Detroit Lions (from Eagles)*: Christian Mahogany (G, Boston College)
211. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers)*: Kamal Hadden (CB, Tennessee)
212. Jacksonville Jaguars*: Cam Little (K, Arkansas)
213. Los Angeles Rams*: Jordan Whittington (WR, Texas)
214. Cincinnati Bengals*: Cedric Johnson (DE, Ole Miss)
215. San Francisco 49ers*: Jarrett Kingston (G, USC)
216. Dallas Cowboys*: Ryan Flournoy (WR, Southeast Missouri State)
217. Los Angeles Rams*: Beaux Limmer (C, Arkansas)
218. Baltimore Ravens* Devin Leary (QB, Kentucky)
219. Buffalo Bills (from Packers)*: Daequan Hardy (CB, Penn State)
220. Tampa Bay Buccaneers*: Elijah Klein (G, UTEP)

Round 7

221. Buffalo Bills (from Panthers through Titans and Chiefs): Travis Clayton (T, England)
222. Washington Commanders: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame)
223. Las Vegas Raiders (from Patriots): Trey Taylor (S, Air Force)
224. Cincinnati Bengals (from Cardinals through Texans): Daijahn Anthony (DB, Mississippi State)
225. Los Angeles Chargers: Brenden Rice (WR, USC)
226. Arizona Cardinals (from Giants): Jaden Davis (CB, Miami)
227. Cleveland Browns (from Titans): Myles Harden (CB, South Dakota)
228. Baltimore Ravens (from Jets): Nick Samac (C, Michigan State)
229. Las Vegas Raiders (from Vikings): MJ Devonshire (CB, Pitt)
230. Minnesota Vikings (from Falcons through Browns and Cardinals): Michael Jurgens (C, Wake Forest)
231. New England Patriots (from Bears): Jaheim Bell (TE, Florida State)
232. Minnesota Vikings (from Broncos through 49ers and Texans): Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT, Texas A&M Commerce)
233. Dallas Cowboys (from Raiders): Nathan Thomas (T, Louisiana-Lafayette)
234. Indianapolis Colts: Jonah Laulu (DT, Oklahoma)
235. Denver Broncos (from Seahawks): Devaughn Vele (WR, Utah)
236. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Cole (DE, Texas Tech)
237. Cincinnati Bengals: Matt Lee (C, Miami)
238. Houston Texans (from Saints): Solomon Byrd (EDGE, USC)
239. New Orleans Saints (from Rams through Broncos): Josiah Ezirim (T, Eastern Kentucky)
240. Carolina Panthers (from Steelers): Michael Barrett (LB, Michigan)
241. Miami Dolphins: Tahj Washington (WR, USC)
242. Tennessee Titans (from Eagles): James Williams (S, Miami)
243. Cleveland Browns: Jowon Briggs (DT, Cincinnati)
244. Dallas Cowboys: Justin Rogers (DT, Auburn)
245. Green Bay Packers: Michael Pratt (QB, Tulane)
246. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin Culp (TE, Washington)
247. Houston Texans: Marcus Harris (DT, Auburn)
248. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills): C.J. Hanson (G, Holy Cross)
249. Houston Texans (from Lions): LaDarius Henderson (G, Michigan)
250. Baltimore Ravens: Sanoussi Kane (S, Purdue)
251. San Francisco 49ers: Tatum Bethune (LB, Florida State)
252. Tennessee Titans (from Chiefs): Jaylen Harrell (EDGE, Michigan)
253. Los Angeles Chargers*: Cornelius Johnson (WR, Michigan)
254. Los Angeles Rams*: KT Leveston (G, Kansas State)
255. Green Bay Packers*: Kalen King (CB, Penn State)
256. Denver Broncos (from New York Jets*: Nick Gargiulo (C, South Carolina)
257. New York Jets*: Jaylen Key (DB, Alabama)

* = compensatory selection

Colts Sign QB Kedon Slovis As UDFA

April 27th, 2024 at 6:58pm CST by Adam La Rose

Once the seventh round of the 2024 draft concluded, reports quickly emerged regarding undrafted free agents agreeing to deals. A number of quarterbacks have already found a home, and that includes Kedon Slovis agreeing to terms with the Colts (h/t NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero).

The 23-year-old began his career at USC, and he stormed onto the scene in 2019. That season, he threw for 3,502 yards while recording a 30:9 touchdown-to interception ratio. As a result of that production, Slovis earned Freshman Player of the Year honors and was named a freshman All-American. Things did not go according to plan after that point, however.

Slovis was limited to 15 games over the following two seasons due to the pandemic and a leg injury. That was followed by a transfer to Pitt, and a single campaign there did not yield the desired results. Slovis then transferred once again, moving to BYU. He again struggled with turnovers as a Cougar while missing four games due to injury in 2023. To little surprise, then, he did not hear his name called this weekend.

Indianapolis already has the QB1 gig accounted for with Anthony Richardson. The team lost effective backup Gardner Minshew in free agency, something which prompted the signing of veteran Joe Flacco. The latter will be counted on to provide capable play under center should Richardson once again miss time through injury in 2024. Slovis will compete for the No. 3 role alongside 2021 sixth-rounder Sam Ehlinger.

Not content to only bring Slovis into the fold at the QB, the Colts have also brought in Jason Bean. The North Texas and Kansas alum has also been signed as a UDFA, per his agency. Bean made 30 starts in college, and 2023 marked his best season with the Jayhawks (2,130 yards, 18 touchdowns) He and Slovis will look to earn a roster spot on what is suddenly a crowded quarterback depth chart in Indianapolis.

Eagles Trade Up To No. 155, Draft LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

April 27th, 2024 at 2:04pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Eagles have swapped places with the Colts in the fifth round. Philadelphia has acquired No. 155 from Indianapolis, sending Nos. 164 and 201 in exchange.

With that newly added selection, the Eagles have drafted Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Trotter’s father was selected by Philadelphia in 1998, and he spent eight years with the team. Trotter Sr. earned four Pro Bowl invites and a pair of All-Pro nods during his tenure there, and his son will aim to likewise have a successful time with the Eagles.

Trotter spent his three-year college career at Clemson, serving as starter over the past two seasons. As a sophomore, he filled the statsheet with 92 tackles (including 13.5 for loss), 6.5 sacks, eight pass deflections and a pair of interceptions. Those totals earned him a number of accolades, including a place on the All-American second team.

In 2023, Trotter’s output remained similar to that of the previous campaign, and he earned first-team All-ACC honors. As a 21-year-old junior, his age and production likely gives him some of the highest upside amongst linebackers in the 2024 class. He will be able to compete for playing time as at least a depth contributor and special teams mainstay in Philadelphia.

The Eagles have made a number of changes at the linebacker spot this offseason, bringing in Devin White and Zack Baun. 2022 third-rounder Nakobe Dean is also in line to assume a larger workload this year. Trotter will thus have plenty of competition for defensive snaps as a rookie, but he is now positioned to attempt to follow in his father’s footsteps at the NFL level.

Colts Move Up To No. 79

April 26th, 2024 at 9:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Colts have moved up the third-round order, swapping places with the Cardinals. Indianapolis has acquired No. 79 in exchange for 82 and 191.

With the newly-acquired pick, the Colts have drafted Pitt offensive tackle Matt Goncalves. That makes him the second player taken on the offensive side of the ball to join the Colts today, after the team selected the first defender (Laiatu Latu) during Thursday’s opening round. This latest choice will provide depth up front after wideout Adonai Mitchell was added in the second round.

Goncalves spent four seasons at Pitt, redshirting in his freshman campaign. After that point, though, he developed into a key figure on the Panthers’ offensive line by seeing time at both tackle spots. The 6-6, 330-pounder started three of nine contests in 2021 before becoming a full-time starter in the following campaign. He split his time between left and right tackle that year.

Goncalves entered the 2023 season with high expectations, and he was the only Pitt player named to the preseason All-ACC list. His senior year came to an abrupt end after just three contests due to injury, however, something which no doubt impacted his draft stock. Goncalves, if healthy, will provide a high-floor option capable of seeing time at either tackle spot early in his time with the Colts.

Indianapolis has Bernhard Raimann in place on the blindside along with high-priced Braden Smith at the right tackle spot with respect to first-team options. Both players are under contract for multiple years, so Goncalves will likely not have a path to a starting spot right away. He could serve as a capable backup in the short- and long-term, though.

Colts Send No. 46 To Panthers

April 26th, 2024 at 7:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Panthers are the latest team to trade up in the second round. Carolina has acquired pick No. 46 from the Colts, sending Nos. 52, 142 and 155 to Indianapolis.

With their second pick in the draft, the Panthers have added Texas running back Jonathon Brooks. As a result, he is the first tailback to come off the board as part of a class not lauded for its star power in the backfield. Still, Brooks will be able to contribute right away in Carolina.

Needing to wait his turn to take over starting duties, Brooks saw only 51 carries in his first two seasons with the Longhorns. In 2023, however, he ascended to the RB1 spot and delivered in a notable fashion. In 11 contests, he posted 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground while averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Brooks added 286 yards on 25 receptions.

An ACL tear ended the season prematurely, though, something which hurt his draft stock. Still, it comes as little surprise that Brooks has been the first running back selected. Connections were frequently made — including earlier today — to the RB-needy Cowboys, but he has come off the board well before Dallas’ next selection. Given Carolina’s decision to trade up for him, Brooks will likely be counted on as a rookie.

The 6-0, 216-pounder intends to be healthy in time for training camp, and in that case he would be able to compete for snaps early in his career. The Panthers did not receive the desired return on investment after signing Miles Sanders in free agency last year, and Chuba Hubbard finished the 2023 campaign atop the depth chart. As both of those backs look to improve on their showings from a poor offensive year, Brooks will give Carolina a new, intriguing two-way option in the backfield.

Colts Attempted To Move Up In First Round

April 26th, 2024 at 3:36pm CST by Adam La Rose

In the build-up to last night’s opening round of the draft, the Colts were one of several teams mentioned as a suitor regarding a move up the order. Adding a receiver or highly-touted tight end Brock Bowers was a reported goal, but the team ultimately wound up focusing on the opposite of the ball.

After an historic start to the draft with 14 straight offensive players coming off the board, Indianapolis selected UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu. That decision came after a concerted effort was made to trade up, however. General manager Chris Ballard spoke on that front following the first round’s conclusion.

“We had some serious, serious discussions,” Ballard said (via Joel A. Erickson of the Indy Star). “With big offers, by the way.”

Fox59’s Mike Chappell notes, meanwhile, that a Colts move up the order would have likely been aimed at acquiring LSU wideout Malik Nabers. Indianapolis was known to be high on Marvin Harrison Jr., but a trade putting the team in range for either pass-catcher would have come at a high price. To little surprise, Harrison was selected fourth overall by the Cardinals, while Nabers went two picks later to the Giants.

With respect to the Latu selection, that came as a surprise to many. Part of the reason that is the case is the fact Indianapolis did not meet in person with the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, as noted by ESPN’s Stephen Holder. Latu’s medicals (stemming from a neck surgery which threatened his future ability to play football) made him one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2024 class. Teams often spend considerable time speaking with players with such potential concerns, but the Colts were comfortable using their top pick absent in-person discussions in this case.

Indianapolis was not the only team keen on selecting Latu. Steve Wyche of NFL Network reports the Falcons attempted to trade back into the first-round order and in doing so add the former Bruins sack artist (video link). Atlanta provided the largest surprise of the night by selecting Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall, but adding Latu would have addressed the team’s more immediate roster hole along the edge. Instead, the Colts remained in place at No. 15 and added a high-upside presence in their front seven.

Colts Select DE Laiatu Latu At No. 15

April 25th, 2024 at 8:54pm CST by Ben Levine

A defensive player has finally come off the board following the run on (primarily) QBs and tackles. The Colts have used the No. 15 pick on UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu.

Latu has one of the most unique NFL paths in this year’s draft. A neck issue during Washington’s training camp in 2020 led to a medical retirement. Latu, however, resurfaced at UCLA in 2022 and proceeded to rip off 10.5- and 13-sack seasons. The latter effort produced a Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honor in the conference’s swansong season, and it put him firmly in the discussion as one of the draft’s top defensive prospects.

Considering those past injury concerns, teams were naturally wary of the prospect entering the pre-draft process. However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport passes along that Latu “got as good reviews as you can ask for” from a medical perspective, something that bodes well for his NFL future.

The injury questions are probably the only reason why Latu wasn’t able to end the offensive run earlier in the night. While the Colts may bring the rookie along slowly, he projects as a three-down option as a professional. With Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye currently penciled in on the edge, Latu may start off as a third-down option before taking on more responsibility.

There were 14 offensive players selected to begin tonight’s draft. This is the longest run on offensive players to begin a draft in NFL history, making Latu a popular trivia answer in a few years.

Colts Interested In Trading Up For Top WR, TE Brock Bowers?

April 25th, 2024 at 2:32pm CST by Adam La Rose

APRIL 25: The Colts may try to take a big swing in Round 1, with SI.com’s Albert Breer mentioning Indianapolis will probably attempt to make a move for one of the top three wideouts or Brock Bowers. Sitting at No. 15, the Colts may only need to move up a few spots to secure draft real estate good enough to nab Bowers or Rome Odunze. It will probably take a more substantial trade package for Indy to land Harrison or Malik Nabers.

The Bowers element here is interesting, as the Colts have seven tight ends on their offseason roster. Top option Jelani Woods arrived during Frank Reich‘s tenure, as did Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson. Bowers is viewed as this draft’s top tight end by a wide margin; the Georgia product may not make it out of the top 10, setting a potential target for the Colts if they are serious about moving up.

APRIL 24: Most of the trade-up reporting and speculation related to the upcoming draft has centered on quarterbacks, to no surprise. Teams not in need of a rookie passer could still be active in seeking a move up the board, though, and the Colts could be one of them.

Indianapolis is currently set to select 15th overall, but a trade could be in consideration. The Colts are viewed as being interested in a trade-up aimed at securing a receiver, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Likewise, ESPN’s Matt Miller reports the team has frequently been mentioned as a potential suitor for Texas wideout Xavier Worthy. Miller’s final mock draft sends the speedster to Indianapolis, albeit with no trade being involved. Owner Jim Irsay noted the team’s “great interest” in Marvin Harrison Jr. (via FOX59’s Mike Chappel), but he will no doubt be out of range.

Worthy earned plenty of acclaim by breaking the all-time 40-yard dash record at the NFL Combine, showcasing his ability as a vertical threat at the NFL level. The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr. in place for years to come atop the WR depth chart, having worked out a three-year deal this offseason which takes the place of his franchise tag. Worthy is also on the radar of the Dolphins, owners of the No. 21 selection.

Indianapolis will have plenty of non-QB options to consider on Day 1, of course, regardless of if the team moves up or down the board. General manager Chris Ballard spoke about the team’s situation during a pre-draft press conference, during which he noted all options are being considered. All teams provide smokescreens this time of year, but Ballard noted the Colts have a track record of moving both up and down the board.

“History, I just go off history,” Ballard said (via NFL.com). “And you know, the more picks you have, the better chance you have to hit. Now, of course, you’re not going to hit on all of them, but it gives you more of a chance to hit. Look, we’ve moved up, we moved up for Jonathan Taylor. When we see one that’s in striking distance that we think we can go get, we’ll do it. But it’s got to work out. And then you’ve got to have… somebody that wants to make the trade.”

The Colts own seven total picks in the 2024 draft, one in each round. The team will thus have the capital required to move up the board slightly in round one, but the possibility of adding later selections could entice Ballard. This year’s class is known to be deep at the receiver spot, and plenty of notable options will be available on Friday and Saturday. Still, Indianapolis will be a team to watch with respect to wideout interest.

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