NFL analyst impressed with Colts’ value at top of draft class | Sporting News

The Indianapolis Colts came out of the 2024 NFL Draft with nine selections, but they started off the weekend hot with some big value picks.

Snagging edge rusher Laiatu Latu at No. 15 overall as the first defender was a steal in the Colts’ eyes. They thought he was the best defender in the entire draft class.

The Colts then came back around in the second round to grab wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, who slipped to No. 52 overall.

In the eyes of Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus, it’s difficult to find better values than what the Colts received with their first two selections.

The Colts came into the 2024 draft needing top-tier talent at wide receiver, cornerback and edge defender. While they waited until Day 3 to select coverage help, they did bring in premier players at the other two spots.

Their first-round pick, UCLA edge Laiatu Latu, was rightfully the first defensive player off the board. He was college football’s best defender over the past two seasons and finished 2023 with a 96.3 overall grade that is unmatched in PFF college history.

In the second round, Indianapolis may have gotten a steal in Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. He ranked fourth among wide receivers on PFF’s big board yet was the 11th player selected at the position. He has massive potential as a savvy route runner with excellent size. The Colts got it right by drafting talented players at premium positions.

Latu may not have a starting role right away, but the Colts have a clear plan in place for him. It’s expected he will work as a pass rusher in the rotation behind Samson Ebukam. His polish as a pass rusher is what separates him from the rest of the draft class and recent picks made by the Colts.

Mitchell will have some competition for the X-receiver role. Alec Pierce is going into his third season and may get the first crack at earning the starting role. But Mitchell’s upside is that of a dominant receiver in the NFL so it may only be a matter of time before he takes over.

For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey’s work on Sporting News.