Indianapolis Colts 2020 NFL Draft review

The Colts secured the two most talented and NFL-ready draft picks in the second round in USC receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor. Indianapolis traded the No. 13 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers for Pro Bowl defensive end DeForest Buckner. After the Cincinnati Bengals chose Clemson’s Tee Higgins, with the first pick of the second round, the Colts made their first selection of the draft on a first round receiver talent.

Grade: B+

ROUND 2: #34 - WR Michael Pittman Jr. (USC)

At 6-4 and 223 pounds, Pittman can make excellent contested catches in traffic and run the entire route tree. The son of former NFL running back Michael Pittman caught 101 passes for the Trojans for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is the most complete receiver drafted on day two and will make an immediate impact as a red zone threat in the Colts offense with veteran T.Y. Hilton and newly-signed quarterback Philip Rivers.

Indianapolis made acquiring receivers during the draft a necessity to expand the depth from a depleted skill group last season. Now knowing the results of the draft, Indianapolis spent the first round pick to sign Buckner then drafted two first-round prospects. Their second round included adding a No. 1 receiver and a top-three ranked running back according to Pro Football Focus.

#44 - RB Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)

The Colts traded up three spots and added a fifth round pick for the Cleveland Browns to draft Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor in the second round with the No. 41 overall pick. The two-time All-American rushed for 6,174 career yards, ranking sixth all-time in Division-I history,including two straight 2,000 yard campaigns. Indianapolis has one of the finest offensive lines in the league with 1,000 yard rusher Marlon Mack still on the roster as clear evidence. There were not 40 better choices than the former Badger and his burst, athleticism and workload endurance make the backfield duo in Indianapolis dangerous.

ROUND 3: #85 - Safety Julian Blackmon (Utah)

The Colts traded back ten spots with the Detroit Lions in the third round and selected Utah safety Julian Blackmon with the No. 85 overall draft pick. The former Ute has experience playing corner and fits in as a nickel with the Colts defensive scheme. Blackmon will join the defensive back group of Malik Hooker and Khari Willis, possibly getting rotational plays in a backup role with starter potential throughout the season.