$Grading Every Pick Of Indianapolis Colts\' 2016 NFL Draft$

Grading Every Pick Of Indianapolis Colts' 2016 NFL Draft

By Anthony Blake

Teams always covet value in the NFL draft, but rare is the full class where each pick seems as if it was made at the perfect time or even slightly better than expected. Well, the Indianapolis Colts achieved this nirvana during the 2016 NFL Draft, and their haul will surely help the team return to the playoffs and regain their clout in the AFC. Here’s how each of their selections grades out.

$Grading Every Pick Of Indianapolis Colts\' 2016 NFL Draft$

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Round 1, No. 18 Overall: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama — Kelly has Pro Bowler written all over him, which is something the Colts have been missing at center since Jeff Saturday retired. Andrew Luck could truly follow in Peyton Manning’s footsteps now with a stalwart center in front of him.
Grade: A

Round 2, No. 57 Overall: T.J. Green, FS, Clemson — At 6-foot-2, 209 pounds, Green has the ideal physique of a modern NFL corner. While he’s a converted receiver with limited experience, his 4.3 speed should make up for any learning curve. He’ll be a starter in the secondary in no time.
Grade: B+

Round 3, No. 82 Overall: Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech — Finally, Andrew Luck has some serious protection. Clark was a borderline first-round prospect who slid all the way to the middle of Round 3 to become an absolute steal. This is one of those picks where need and value perfectly aligned.
Grade: A

Round 4, No. 116 Overall: Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas — Despite durability concerns, Ridgeway was atop many draft boards a round prior to this pick being made. He’s a perfect fit in Indy’s new 3-4 alignment, and this is yet another instance of the Colts getting stronger in the trenches.
Grade: A-

Round 4, No. 125 Overall: Antonio Morrison, LB, Florida — Once thought of as a first-round prospect a year ago, Morrison is the perfect fit at inside linebacker in a 3-4. He’s got an attitude and a downhill mentality that will serve him well in helping the Colts improve against the run.
Grade: B+

Round 5, No. No. 155 Overall: Joe Haeg, OT, North Dakota State — This kid must have done something right protecting the blindside of No. 2 overall selection, Carson Wentz with the Bison. At 6-foot-6, 304 pounds, he has the ideal build to be groomed into a valuable depth piece up front.
Grade: B

Round 7, No. 239 Overall: Trevor Bates, LB, Maine — Bates showed some talent at his regional pro day and will provide some competition at the very least for the Colts’ pass rushers in camp.
Grade: B-

Round 7, No. 248 Overall: Austin Blythe, C, Iowa — A four-year starter at both guard and center with the Hawkeyes, guys like Blythe are usually gone before the tail-end of the draft. This pick will provide serious value for an offensive line lacking in quality depth across the board.
Grade: A

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