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The Indianapolis Colts traded back in a recent 2025 NFL mock draft and boosted their defensive line in the process.
Outside of Tyler Warren being available at pick 14--which he wasn't--I think trading down makes a lot of sense for a Colts team that has just seven total draft picks and several needs to still tackle. The general consensus seems to be that the strength of this year's draft class is in its depth in that Rounds 2 and 3 range, so adding another pick in that range may be the prudent move, depending on how the board falls.
So, instead of picking at 14th overall, using PFF's mock draft simulator, I moved down to pick 19 in a swap with Tampa Bay. The Colts parted with pick 14 and, in return, received picks 19 and 84. To make sure the trade was of relatively equal value, I utilized the Rich Hill trade value chart.
Once on the clock again at 19th overall, I added to the interior defensive line by taking Michigan's Kenneth Grant. Tight end is obviously a need but I feel comfortable adding one of Elijah Arroyo, Mason Taylor, or Harold Fannin on Day 2 of the draft.
When it comes to defensive tackle, depth is a need with only five players on the roster at that position, but so is improved play behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Offenses far too often took advantage last season when those two weren't on the field. The addition of Neville Gallimore hopefully provides an upgrade, but that's not a guarantee either, and even if he does, at a heavily rotated position, additional help is needed.
Grant, who is listed at 6-3 - 331 pounds, has played just over 1,000 career defensive snaps, most of which have come over the last two seasons. He's showcased the ability to get after the quarterback, generating 50 pressures and eight sacks during that span.
His greatest impact, however, came against the run, where he ranked eighth among all defensive tackles in 2024 in PFF's run defense grade, and he was tied for 25th out of 194 eligible defenders in run-stop rate.
For more on Grant, here is what Kyle Crabbs of the 33rd Team wrote in his scouting report:
"Grant projects best as an A-gap defender in the NFL," wrote Crabbs. "He has versatility in whether he’s playing in gap penetration or gap control fronts; he should be considered a transcendent option to play in odd or even fronts. His ability to anchor and reset will be a valuable cog to any team’s run defense, and Grant should be afforded the opportunity to develop more as a pass rusher."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts NFL draft: Indianapolis trades back in mock, add Kenneth Grant
Continue reading...
Outside of Tyler Warren being available at pick 14--which he wasn't--I think trading down makes a lot of sense for a Colts team that has just seven total draft picks and several needs to still tackle. The general consensus seems to be that the strength of this year's draft class is in its depth in that Rounds 2 and 3 range, so adding another pick in that range may be the prudent move, depending on how the board falls.
So, instead of picking at 14th overall, using PFF's mock draft simulator, I moved down to pick 19 in a swap with Tampa Bay. The Colts parted with pick 14 and, in return, received picks 19 and 84. To make sure the trade was of relatively equal value, I utilized the Rich Hill trade value chart.
Once on the clock again at 19th overall, I added to the interior defensive line by taking Michigan's Kenneth Grant. Tight end is obviously a need but I feel comfortable adding one of Elijah Arroyo, Mason Taylor, or Harold Fannin on Day 2 of the draft.
When it comes to defensive tackle, depth is a need with only five players on the roster at that position, but so is improved play behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Offenses far too often took advantage last season when those two weren't on the field. The addition of Neville Gallimore hopefully provides an upgrade, but that's not a guarantee either, and even if he does, at a heavily rotated position, additional help is needed.
Grant, who is listed at 6-3 - 331 pounds, has played just over 1,000 career defensive snaps, most of which have come over the last two seasons. He's showcased the ability to get after the quarterback, generating 50 pressures and eight sacks during that span.
His greatest impact, however, came against the run, where he ranked eighth among all defensive tackles in 2024 in PFF's run defense grade, and he was tied for 25th out of 194 eligible defenders in run-stop rate.
For more on Grant, here is what Kyle Crabbs of the 33rd Team wrote in his scouting report:
"Grant projects best as an A-gap defender in the NFL," wrote Crabbs. "He has versatility in whether he’s playing in gap penetration or gap control fronts; he should be considered a transcendent option to play in odd or even fronts. His ability to anchor and reset will be a valuable cog to any team’s run defense, and Grant should be afforded the opportunity to develop more as a pass rusher."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts NFL draft: Indianapolis trades back in mock, add Kenneth Grant
Continue reading...
