The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine officially got underway with the start of workouts Thursday, and they’ll continue Friday with the defensive backs and tight ends taking the field.
The Indianapolis Colts will have a keen eye on all three positions—safeties and cornerbacks are lumped together—considering they are relatively high priorities in terms of needs this offseason.
While the combine is mostly important for the medical reports and formal interviews with prospects, the on-field testing does carry some weight for the Colts. Their investment in high-end athletes has been well-documented throughout Chris Ballard’s tenure.
Here are 10 cornerbacks the Colts should watch during Friday’s workouts at the NFL combine:
1
Terrion Arnold, Alabama
Arguably the top cornerback in this class, Arnold is the complete package. It would be difficult for the Colts to pass on him at No. 15, but there’s a chance he won’t even make it that far.
2
Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Another potential selection at No. 15, Mitchell is one the top risers of draft season thus far thanks to a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. He’s an easy fit for Gus Bradley’s scheme and can complete his impressive preparation for the draft with a strong outing Friday.
3
Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Wiggins has the height and length that Chris Ballard loves in his cornerbacks. The questions about his weight and run defense will be topics of discussion, but there is upside for Wiggins in coverage.
4
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
The other side of Alabama’s dominant cornerback room. McKinstry may have the highest football IQ of any defensive back in the class, and it shows. He may not win with size or elite speed, but he has great athleticism and fluid movements. He’s likely on the radar at No. 15 overall and would be even more intriguing if the Colts trade back.
5
Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
Rakestraw may not blow anyone away with his size, but he has impressive length and outstanding athleticism to work in press man or zone coverage. His weight will be something to watch, but he may be an intriguing target for the Colts late Day 2 or early Day 3.
6
T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
A natural fit for Gus Bradley’s zone-heavy scheme, Tampa has the size and length to be a versatile boundary cornerback. He has the want-to in run defense and brings impressive ball skills. He’s an intriguing option for the Colts on Day 2.
7
Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
The combine could make a huge difference for Lassiter. How he weighs in and tests will impact his stock greatly, but he shows promise on film to be a versatile, well-rounded cornerback. The Colts will love his physicality against the run.
8
Mike Sainristil, Michigan
Projecting as a slot defender, Sainrstil could certainly be on the Colts radar given the Kenny Moore situation. He’s a feisty defender in coverage and loves to initiate contact against the run.
9
Jarrian Jones, Florida State
A versatile defender who can play both the boundary and in the slot, Jones also has experience working in both zone and man coverage. He’s a strong run defender and showed immense promise in slot coverage during the 2023 season.
10
Max Melton, Rutgers
Melton has impressive change-of-direction skills and shows a lot of promise as an off-coverage cornerback on the boundary. He might be an intriguing option for the Colts on Day 3.
