3 best Colts moves in 2024 NFL Draft

Mitchell’s totals from his college career aren’t overwhelming by any means. He finished with 93 receptions for 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns across three seasons. But he does have excuses for that. Mitchell battled injury during his time in Athens with the Bulldogs as well as a plethora of NFL-caliber receivers to compete with. He didn’t have a full-time role until he transferred to Austin with the Longhorns last season.

The Colts hoped that Alec Pierce would emerge as their deep threat when they drafted him in the second round back in 2022. That hasn’t happened yet. Mitchell looks like a great fit next to Indianapolis’ top two targets. Hopefully, his fit translates on the gridiron as well as it does on paper for the Colts.

Drafting Matt Goncalves

Another area of improvement for the Colts heading into the draft was the offensive line. Last season, Indianapolis ranked 26th in the league in pass block win rate according to ESPN.com. They were about middle of the pack in sacks allowed with 41 of them. This room certainly could stand to get upgraded. The Colts looked to do so with Pitt’s Matt Goncalves.

Goncalves was not only stout during his time at Pitt but was also versatile. He allowed just one sack and 29 pressures throughout his entire career. Goncalves did so playing just about everywhere on the offensive line. He spent most of his time at either tackle spot and also played some left guard.

It’s unlikely he’ll take many snaps from Quenton Nelson at left guard. However, pushing Bernhard Raimann for work at left tackle seems possible. Goncalves likely won’t start right away but he’ll instantly provide depth. That’s well worth a third-round pick.

Drafting Micah Abraham

One of the biggest needs for the Colts heading into the draft was cornerback. Curiously, they didn’t address that position until the sixth round.

Indy had their pick of cornerbacks in the first round with the 15th overall pick but opted to take UCLA pass rusher Laiatu Latu instead. The Colts did land a corner that they think can help their team, however, in Marshall’s Micah Abraham.

Abraham was one of the better corners in this year’s class. He posted an 83.8 grade in man coverage by PFF. That grade wasn’t far from Quinyon Mitchell’s, the first corner off the board. The Colts’ cornerback room isn’t very robust after Kenny Moore (primarily a slot corner) and last year’s second-round pick JuJu Brents. Abraham has a chance at a big role right away. Not bad for a sixth-round pick.