INDIANAPOLIS — With the 49th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts have selected linebacker Ben Banogu.
Banogu — who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 250 pounds — began his college career at Louisiana-Monroe, playing there one year before transferring to TCU in 2016. In 2017, he earned All-Big 12 honors, as well as Defensive Newcomer of the Year, after collecting 49 tackles (16.5 for a loss) with 8.5 sacks. He earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2018, collecting 57 tackles (18 for a loss) with 8.5 sacks once again.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote this about Banogu in his draft profile:
Edge player with good athleticism, who could struggle to translate to the next level unless he diversifies his approach as a rusher. His quickness created opportunities with inside moves and twists in college, but NFL tackles will shut and lock that interior door on him until he proves he can threaten them around the corner. Banogu could challenge for a nickel rush position in the future, but he still needs work.
As of now, the Colts' next pick is in the second round (59th overall). Indy also currently has a third round (89th-overall) selection that will be announced tonight.
For more on this selection, check back with Colts.com.
