INDIANAPOLIS — The best way to build a team for long-term success is to be successful in the NFL Draft. For the Indianapolis Colts, they have done a great job recently of finding talent to groom for the foreseeable future in order to build a foundation.
The Colts currently have nine picks leading into next week's 2019 NFL Draft: one in the first (No. 26 overall), two in the second (Nos. 34 and 59), one in the third (No. 89), two in the fourth (Nos. 129 and 135), and one each in the fifth (No. 164), sixth (No. 199) and seventh (No. 240).
Today, we take a look at the last five picks the Colts have made in each round of the draft, showing how they have set themselves up for sustained success.
ROUND 1
G Quenton Nelson | 2018 | Pick No. 6
- Colts Career Stats: Started 16-of-16 games with 1,136 offensive snaps
- Pro Bowl: 1
- All-Pro: 1
- Colts Tenure: 2018-Present
Nelson has been as good as advertised since being selected. It's not often that a rookie makes the Pro Bowl, let alone is selected All-Pro. He also became the first interior offensive lineman ever to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month in October. A scary thought for opponents: Nelson played at that level as a rookie and is only going to get better.
S Malik Hooker | 2017 | Pick No. 15
- Colts Career Stats: Started 20-of-21 games, 65 tackles, 1 fumble recovered, 5 interceptions, 8 pass breakups
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2017-Present
Hooker has had the disadvantage of recovering from major surgeries in each of his first two offseasons, but he has been productive nonetheless. He garnered a reputation as a ballhawk after intercepting three passes in just seven games as a rookie. In his second season, he became more of a play stopper than a playmaker, as teams shied away from targeting him. The arrow is up on Hooker, as he's healthy this offseason for the first time and is going into consecutive seasons in the same system, also for the first time.
C Ryan Kelly | 2016 | Pick No. 18
- Colts Career Stats: Started 35-of-35 games with 2,189 offensive snaps
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2016-Present
When you draft a center in the first round, you hope they're as good as Kelly has been for the Colts. In 2018, he began garnering attention as one of the best centers in the entire NFL. If he can keep the injury bug away then 2019 may be the year we see him take the throne.
WR Phillip Dorsett | 2015 | Pick No. 29
- Colts Career Stats: Started 7-of-26 games, 51 receptions (98 targets), 753 yards (14.8 avg), 3 touchdowns
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2015-16
Injuries and inconsistent play derailed Dorsett's short-lived tenure in Indianapolis before a trade heading into his third year sent him to the New England Patriots, where he has remained since.
ED Bjoern Werner | 2013 | Pick No. 24
- Colts Career Stats: Started 16-of-38 games, 81 tackles (11 TFL), 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumbles recovered, 5 pass breakups, 10 quarterback hits
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2013-15
With the Colts' 2014 first-round pick being dealt to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for running back Trent Richardson — who was 2012's No. 3-overall pick behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III — we skip ahead (or back) to 2013. Werner battled injuries throughout his time with the Colts, and he never panned out to be the future edge rusher they hoped, although he found a niche as a quality run defender.
ROUND 2
DL Tyquan Lewis | 2018 | Pick No. 64
- Colts Career Stats: Started 6-of-8 games, 13 tackles (3 for loss), 2.0 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 8 quarterback hits
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2018-Present
Lewis was drafted to kick inside to three-technique tackle with the Colts after being a bigger defensive end at Ohio State. Circumstances had him playing more end when by the time he made NFL debut midway through the 2018 season, and he did it quite well, racking up his first two career sacks against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15.
ED Kemoko Turay | 2018 | Pick No. 52
- Colts Career Stats: Started 3-of-14 games, 15 tackles (1 for loss), 4.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 13 quarterback hits
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2018-Present
Turay was a little banged up down the stretch last year, but he was productive at producing pressure throughout the season. Constantly working to perfect his craft, we should expect a sophomore jump from Turay in 2019.
OL Braden Smith | 2018 | Pick No. 37
- Colts Career Stats: Started 13-of-15 games with 853 offensive snaps
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2018-Present
Smith was a standout for the Colts after being inserted into the starting lineup in Week 5 at right tackle, even though he was selected as the team's future at right guard. Although he was overshadowed by Nelson, the dominant No. 6-overall draft pick, Smith also proved to be one of the NFL's top rookie offensive linemen.
LB Darius Leonard | 2018 | Pick No. 36
- Colts Career Stats: Started 15-of-15 games, 163 tackles (12 for loss), 7.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, 2 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, 8 quarterback hits
- Pro Bowl: ¯_(ツ)_/¯
- All-Pro: 1
- Colts Tenure: 2018-Present
What a pickup! Along with Nelson, the pair became the first rookie teammates to be named First-Team All-Pros since Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers for the Chicago Bears in 1965. Leonard's mantle was stocked with awards and achievements throughout the year with the exception of the Pro Bowl. As a rookie, he led the entire league in tackles and even broke the Colts' single-season record for total stops.
CB Quincy Wilson | 2017 | Pick No. 46
- Colts Career Stats: Started 10-of-20 games, 50 tackles (2 for loss), 1 fumble recovered, 2 interceptions, 8 pass breakups
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2017-Present
Wilson's two years have been a little bit of a roller coaster, as he's gotten off to shaky starts but ended both seasons strong. Following the tutelage of safety Mike Mitchell, Wilson credits the veteran for helping teach him how to be a better professional. Will Wilson use that to ascend to a more consistent role in 2019?
ROUND 3
ED Tarell Basham | 2017 | Pick No. 80
- Colts Career Stats: Started 0-of-16 games, 7 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2017-18
Basham was a natural defensive end at Ohio who converted to stand-up rush outside linebacker in the Colts' then-3-4 base defense. He struggled in the beginning but got the hang of it by season's end. The following season, the Colts were converting back to a 4-3 where Basham would be able to go back to his home position of defensive end. Over time, however, others passed Basham up on the depth chart, and he was let go during preseason cuts.
OL Le'Raven Clark | 2016 | Pick No. 82
- Colts Career Stats: Started 12-of-35 games with 889 offensive snaps
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2016-Present
Clark has come a long way from his rookie preseason, when he struggled to keep pass rushers at bay. Since that time, he's worked to be a much more consistent option at either guard or tackle, and this week he began what should be a pivotal offseason to earn a spot once again in his first-ever contract year.
DL Henry Anderson | 2015 | Pick No. 93
- Colts Career Stats: Started 19-of-29 games, 65 tackles (7 TFL), 3.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovered, 4 pass breakups, 1 blocked kick
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2015-17
Anderson quickly endeared himself to Colts fans everywhere with his hard-nosed style of play and ability to make plays from the interior of the defensive line. He had some unfortunate timing with injuries, and then was dealt last offseason to the New York Jets due to his lack of fit within the Colts' new defensive scheme.
CB D'Joun Smith | 2015 | Pick No. 65
- Colts Career Stats: Started 0-of-4 games, 1 tackle, 1 fumble recovered
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2015-16
Smith's career never got off the ground as a knee injury during his rookie season plagued the rest of his time in town.
WR Donte Moncrief | 2014 | Pick No. 90
- Colts Career Stats: Started 27-of-53 games, 152 receptions (255 targets), 1,875 yards (12.3 avg), 18 touchdowns
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2014-17
Moncrief is another player whose potential was always harassed by untimely injuries. Between being banged-up and not having much time to grow with an injured Andrew Luck, things never quite clicked with Moncrief in Indianapolis.
ROUND 4
RB Nyheim Hines | 2018 | Pick No. 104
- Colts Career Stats: Started 4-of-16 games, 85 carries for 314 yards (3.7 avg), 2 touchdowns, 63 receptions (81 targets) for 425 yards (6.7 avg) and 2 touchdowns
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2018-Present
Hines dealt with ball security issues during the preseason, but he put it all to bed during the season to be a very reliable weapon, especially in the passing game. Hines finished third in team history for receptions by a rookie. He became a more complete runner throughout the season behind a very good offensive line.
DT Grover Stewart | 2017 | Pick No. 144
- Colts Career Stats: Started 1-of-30 games, 40 tackles (3 for loss), 5 quarterback hits
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2017-Present
Coming out of tiny Albany State, Stewart has become a key piece in the Colts' defensive line rotation, especially in heavy run packages.
RB Marlon Mack | 2017 | Pick No. 143
- Colts Career Stats: 288 carries for 1,266 yards (4.4 avg) and 12 touchdowns, 38 receptions (59 targets) for 328 yards (8.6 avg) and 2 touchdowns
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2017-Present
Mack has been checking off the boxes on his career trajectory. Coming from a very gimmicky, non-NFL system at USF, he got to be groomed by future Hall-of-Famer Frank Gore for a year in 2017 before taking the reins in 2018. Mack dealt with injuries early in the season to rebound and nearly run for 1,000 yards in 12 games. In a prorated 16-game season, he projected to total more than 1,300 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns
OL Zach Banner | 2017 | Pick No. 137
- Colts Career Stats: Started 0-of-0 games
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2017
Banner didn't make it through his rookie training camp into the regular season with the Colts, but he did catch on with the Pittsburgh Steelers last summer and remains there.
LB Antonio Morrison | 2016 | Pick No. 125
- Colts Career Stats: Started 19-of-31 games, 160 tackles (6 TFL), 1 pass breakup
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2016-17
A fit as a thumping MIKE linebacker in the Colts' old 3-4 defense, Morrison wasn't an ideal fit in the Colts' new 4-3 base which relies on speed and athleticism. In his time with the Colts, he was an effective run defender who showed toughness and was a popular figure in the locker room.
ROUND 5
RB Jordan Wilkins | 2018 | Pick No. 169
- Colts Career Stats: Started 3-of-16 games, 60 carries for 336 yards (5.6 avg) for 1 touchdown, 16 receptions (17 targets) for 85 yards (5.3 avg)
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2018-Present
Wilkins filled in quite well while Mack was sidelined by injury, and he continued to make the most of his opportunities throughout the year, averaging well over five yards per carry. He was also a frequent special teams contributor while not heavily involved on offense.
WR Daurice Fountain | 2018 | Pick No. 159
- Colts Career Stats: Started 0-of-1 game
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2018-Present
Fountain developed on the practice squad throughout the season before being called up to the active roster in Week 14. He was active for one regular season game and did see some action in the Colts' Divisional Round playoff game in Kansas City.
LB Anthony Walker | 2017 | Pick No. 161
- Colts Career Stats: Started 16-of-25 games, 124 tackles (11 for loss), 1.0 sack, 1 fumble recovered, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups, 2 quarterback hits
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2017-Present
Walker was a sneaky good pick for Colts general manager Chris Ballard late in the 2017 draft. A hamstring injury claimed much of his rookie season as he eventually did get some starts late in the year at MIKE linebacker. In 2018, he claimed the starting role full-time and performed at a high level, posting his first-career 100-tackle season.
CB Nate Hairston | 2017 | Pick No. 158
- Colts Career Stats: Started 11-of-27 games, 65 tackles (2 tackles for loss), 2.0 sacks, 1 interception, 6 pass breakups, 3 quarterback hits
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2017-Present
Hairston's career got off to a hot start as a rookie, earning the Colts' starting nickel role. In Year 2, he moved to more of a boundary corner role. He dealt with some injuries and then became more of a special teams fixture in the second half of the season, and remains in the mix to earn a starting job in 2019.
OL Joe Haeg | 2016 | Pick No. 155
- Colts Career Stats: Started 35-of-39 games with 2,306 offensive snaps
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2016-Present
Haeg has been Mr. Reliable for the Colts, starting 35 games at four of the five offensive line positions. Last season, former Colts offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo couldn't say enough good things about Haeg's football I.Q. and versatility. Skillsets like Haeg's are what keeps guys in the league for a dozen years.
ROUND 6
WR Deon Cain | 2018 | Pick No. 185
- Colts Career Stats: Started 0-of-0 games
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2018-Present
Cain was many people's training camp darling as a rookie in 2018 after making big plays on a consistent basis, but he unfortunately tore an ACL in the very first preseason game, delaying the football world from seeing him in game action. He is expected to compete for a significant role within the offense in 2019.
LB Amarlo Herrera | 2015 | Pick No. 207
- Colts Career Stats: Started 0-of-3 games
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2015
At his peak, Herrera was a quality contributor in goal-line run-stuff packages and on special teams coverage teams. It was not enough to keep him on the roster for a second season, however.
RB Josh Robinson | 2015 | Pick No. 205
- Colts Career Stats: Started 0-of-5 games, 17 carries for 39 yards (2.3 avg), 6 receptions (6 targets) for 33 yards (5.5 avg)
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2015
Robinson's issues with ball security got him knocked down a peg from the beginning. When he saw the field, he wasn't able to make much happen behind the Colts' offensive line, which got him waived not long after.
LB Andrew Jackson | 2014 | Pick No. 203
- Colts Career Stats: Started 0-of-13 games, 10 tackles (2 for loss), 1.0 sack
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2014
Somewhat similar to Morrison, Jackson was known for being an enforcer and quality run defender. He saw the field sparingly as a rookie and was let go following an off-the-field incident.
S John Boyett | 2013 | Pick No. 192
- Colts Career Stats: Started 0-of-0 games
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2013
The Colts didn't get to see Boyett in action after drafting him while he recovered from double-patella surgery. Before he fully recovered, however, Boyett would be arrested and subsequently released by the team.
ROUND 7
LB Zaire Franklin | 2018 | Pick No. 221
- Colts Career Stats: Started 2-of-16 games, 29 tackles, 1 pass breakup
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2018-Present
Franklin was trusted by the Colts' coaches immediately, as he earned significant reps with the first and second units in training camp and even got a couple starts during the season. Franklin was also a reliable special teamer as a rookie.
LB Matthew Adams | 2018 | Pick No. 235
- Colts Career Stats: Started 5-of-16 games, 33 tackles (5 for loss), 1 fumble recovered, 2 quarterback hits
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2018-Present
Adams is perhaps the most athletic of the thumping linebacker types that the Colts have had in recent years. He learned the hard way that being a big hitter in the NFL will draw attention from officials, even if the hit is legal. One would assume Adams will get a shot to earn the starting job as the Colts' SAM linebacker heading into the 2019 season.
OL Austin Blythe | 2016 | Pick No. 248
- Colts Career Stats: Started 1-of-8 games with 89 offensive snaps
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2016
Blythe had an up-and-down rookie year in Indianapolis and didn't make it past preseason cuts in 2017. However, he then caught on with the Los Angeles Rams and actually went on to be a key cog on their line, starting Super Bowl LIII at right guard against the New England Patriots.
ED/LB Trevor Bates | 2016 | Pick No. 239
- Colts Career Stats: Started 0-of-1 game
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2016
A pass-rusher coming out of the University of Maine, the Colts converted Bates to linebacker following his rookie preseason. He was only active for one game and was waived shortly after.
OL Denzelle Good | 2015 | Pick No. 255
- Colts Career Stats: Started 20-of-26 games with 1,293 offensive snaps
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2015-2018
Despite his obvious talent, injuries held Good back from ever holding onto a consistent starting spot on the Colts' line, whether it was at tackle or guard. Injuries and the tragic death of his brother clouded Good's final season in Indianapolis in 2018, eventually leading to the two sides parting ways. Good is now with the Oakland Raiders.
TOP 5 UNDRAFTED GEMS
These aren't just undrafted guys; these are the Colts' undrafted guys. These players were signed by the Colts following the draft and were not with another NFL team beforehand.
P Rigoberto Sanchez | 2017
- Colts Career Stats: 32 games, 152 punts, 45.3-yard avg, 42.6-yard net, 68 inside-20
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2017-Present
He had big shoes to fill following the retirement of Pat McAfee, but Sanchez has done it admirably. He took over punting, kickoff and kick holding duties and has become one of the league's best in the process.
WR/KR Chester Rogers | 2016
- Colts Career Stats: Started 16-of-41 games, 95 receptions (143 targets) for 1,042 yards (11.0 avg) and 3 touchdowns, 46 punt returns, 9.0-yard avg
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2016-Present
"Chester from Grambling" shook off some drop issues early in 2018 to become a reliable slot receiver for the Colts, making some huge plays for the team down the stretch in games they needed. His rapport with Luck and ability to make plays after the catch have proven invaluable so far.
CB Christopher Milton | 2016
- Colts Career Stats: Started 1-of-35 games, 20 tackles, 2 fumbles recovered, 2 pass breakups
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2016-Present
Milton shows the true value of having an effective gunner on special teams, as he consistently gets downfield and is making plays to get the ball downed deep in the opponent's territory. Sanchez often lauds Milton's efforts.
OL Deyshawn Bond | 2017
- Colts Career Stats: Started 4-of-4 games with 189 offensive snaps
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2017
With Kelly nursing a foot injury and veteran backup Brian Schwenke also dealing with a foot issue, it was up to the rookie undrafted free agent to start the Colts' first four games at center. He did better than anyone could've expected before his season unfortunately ended due to a quad injury.
DT Zach Kerr | 2014
- Colts Career Stats: Started 8-of-36 games, 64 tackles (8 for loss), 5.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovered, 2 pass breakups, 11 quarterback hits
- Pro Bowl: 0
- All-Pro: 0
- Colts Tenure: 2014-16
Kerr was a quality rotational piece in the Colts' defensive line, providing the occasional interior pass rush and often harassing running lanes to make life difficult for running backs.
Honorable mention: WR/KR Quan Bray (2015), TE Darrell Daniels (2017), LB Skai Moore/S George Odum (2018), RB Zurlon Tipton (2014), QB Phillip Walker (2017)
