Indianapolis Colts NFL Draft Picks: 2019 Round-by-Round Results, Grades

How will the Colts use their picks in the 2019 NFL draft? We're breaking down every selection below.

Author:
Alaa Abdeldaiem
Publish date:
Apr 25, 2019

The Indianapolis Colts rebuilding process took several steps in the right direction after the team finished 10–6 in 2018, one year after the Colts finished 4–12.

Despite starting the season 1–5, the Colts won five straight games through November and nine of ten to finish out the season. Indianapolis defeated the Houston Texans 21–7 on the road before falling 31–13 against the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round.

Andrew Luck is back and healthy, and with a group of young talent returning next season, the Colts will look to the draft to further their progress in 2019.

In last year's draft, the Colts selected Quenton Nelson out of Notre Dame with the sixth-overall pick. Nelson was named First Team All-Pro for his role on an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL (18) last season.

How will they use their picks in this year's NFL draft? We’re breaking down every selection below.

Here's the full list of picks the Colts hold in the 2019 draft, which will be updated as each selection is made.

Round 2, Pick 2 (No. 34 overall): Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple

Andy Benoit's grade: A-

Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus believes you cannot draft a corner high if that corner cannot play man-to-man. Fortunately, Ya-Sin did that often and effectively at Temple. He’s more of a mirroring style cover artist than physical press defender, which makes him a nice complement to unsung hero Pierre Desir, who can travel with plus-sized No. 1 receivers. With Kenny Moore in the slot, Indy has three high-level corners, which only helps Ebeflus continue to expand his scheme.

Round 2, Pick 17 (No. 49 overall): Ben Banogu, DE, TCU

Andy Benoit's grade: B

Banogu adds value to an important position in Indy’s zone-oriented scheme. The team can’t count on getting away with a feeble pass rush again in 2019 like they did for much of ’18. Adding ex-Chief Justin Houston in what’s likely a 30-snaps-a-game role was a good first step, but they still needed this second step, especially since the jury is out on last year’s second-round defensive ends, Kemoko Turay and Tyquan Lewis. Stunts and D-line slants are critical to Indy’s pass rush approach, so Banogu’s success will be largely determined by how well he can move at angles.

Round 2, Pick 27 (No. 59 overall): Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State

Andy Benoit's grade: B+

Campbell is a fast, multidimensional playmaker who can be plugged into a gadget role and expand Indy’s offensive designs. If he builds on the route-running improvement that he teased in the pre-draft process, he could be a serviceable starter if Chester Rogers and Devin Funchess hit free agency next year.

Round 3, Pick 25 (No. 89 overall): Bobby Okereke, LB, Stanford

Andy Benoit's grade: B

Behind Darius Leonard and Anthony Walker, the Colts struggled at No. 3 linebacker spot, which was often manned by Matthew Adams. Opponents at times went with two tight ends so they could deliberately attack Adams in coverage. Some might question whether Okereke, at 240 pounds, is stout enough to be a No. 3 base linebacker, but in Indy’s scheme, quickness is most critical in that position.

Round 4, Pick 7 (No. 109 overall): Khari Willis, SS, Michigan St.

Round 5, Pick 6 (No. 144 overall): Marvell Tell III, S, USC

Round 5, Pick 26 (No. 164 overall): E.J. Speed, LB, Tarleton St.

Round 6, Pick 26 (No. 199 overall): Gerri Green, DE, Mississippi St.

Round 7, Pick 26 (No. 240 overall): Jackson Barton, T, Utah

Round 7, Pick 32 (No. 246 overall): Javon Patterson, G, Ole Miss

See every NFL team's 2019 picks by clicking the links below.