After the Colts traded with Detroit and moved back to pick No. 85, it was apparent that they did not want to reach for any player in the third round. Instead, Chris Ballard waited and grabbed Julian Blackmon, safety from Utah.
Blackmon brings a range of coverage skills to this secondary and can fly all over the field.
Here are three things to know about the Colts’ new safety:
1. Swiss Army knife in the secondary
Blackmon was recruited by Utah as a cornerback and played the position well for two years. He learned how to play in man coverage and how to read a quarterback. Last season due to injuries in the secondary, Blackmon made the switch to free safety and continued his domination. He can play anywhere in the secondary and can fill any home the Colts face due to injury.
Blackmon’s versatility and range are likely what drew the Colts to him in the third round, which is a bit higher than most expected for Backmon. His athleticism will allow him to line up all over the defense.
2. Two sport athlete in high school
On top of playing football, Blackmon was also a very skilled basketball player. He was recruited by smaller Division I programs for basketball, but football was his true love. His senior year he broke his hand and it decreased his recruitment grade, but he was still able to attend Utah and join the football team.
That multi-sport athleticism has shown up on tape. Blackmon has natural range as a single-high safety, but there are parts of his game that need to be developed once he returns from his December injury.
3. Overcame adversity to get to the NFL
Blackmon was rated as a higher prospect during the regular season but a heartbreaking ACL tear in the Pac-12 championship decreased his draft grade. He was not able to participate at the combine and there were concerns about him falling very far in the draft. As his recovery is progressing, it is a testament to Blackmon’s character that the Colts decided to take a chance on him in the third round.
Blackmon wouldn’t put a timetable on his recovery time. He suffered the injury and had surgery on his ACL and is about four months into recovery. He should be ready near the time for training camp and the preseason, but it’s too early to tell, especially with an unknown offseason ahead.
