Arguably their biggest need entering the 2019 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts will likely be looking to address to safety position at some point over the course of the three-day event at the end of the month.
While there isn’t a consensus safety that will go in the early first round, there is some solid depth to be had on Days 2 and 3 of the draft, which is likely where the Colts will look to add to the room.
Here is a safety prospect for the Colts in each round of the draft:
Round 1: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida
There is a chance a safety doesn’t get selected in the first round of the draft, but if there was a prospect at the position that had the best chance of hearing his name called on Day 1, it’s Gardner-Johnson.
A versatile piece to any secondary, Gardner-Johnson has the requisite ball skills, zone and man coverage skills and combination of size and speed to be a successful safety in the NFL. He’s extremely athletic and would be a nice complement to Malik Hooker.
There are concerns with Gardner-Johnson’s effort and physicality, though, which could ultimately be the reason he drops out of the first round. Safety isn’t a popular choice for the Colts in Round 1, but Gardner-Johnson is likely their top option there.
Round 2
Taylor Rapp, Washington
Despite his athletic limitations, Rapp would be a fine complement for the Hooker on Day 2 as a player that can work toward the line of scrimmage and impact the run. He’s a sure tackler and enforcer that has a high football IQ from the defensive backfield.
He likely slides to the second round after a poor 40-yard dash time while there are also some athletic concerns. Still, he would be a solid choice for the Colts as a potential long-term starter at safety.
Johnathan Abram, Mississipi State
The true meaning of tone-setter, Abram is a heat-seeking missile that is likely the hardest hitter in this year’s class. His physicality will remind the league of how safeties used to play while making his money near the line of scrimmage.
His aggressiveness can sometimes betray him, and his ball skills leave a lot to be desired, but he’s athletic, strong and extremely physical. Not to mention, the Colts seem to have a lot of interest in him throughout the pre-draft process.
Round 3: Will Harris, Boston College
There is a chance Harris drops to Day 3, especially due to the lack of physicality at the point of attack. However, he could be a solid addition for the Colts as a late Day 2, early Day 3 option.
Harris brings impressive size and versatility to the defensive backfield. He plays well against the run, understanding where he needs to be in terms of his run fits.
Harris likely wouldn’t thrive as a single-high safety but instead would work better in a defensive system like the Colts that often features two-high looks.
Round 4: Evan Worthington, Colorado
On Day 3, the Colts would likely be looking at safety prospects that have unique traits or all-around ability to hold a certain rotational role while working on special teams.
Worthington would have to prove his 2016 suspension is a thing of the past. Regardless, there are some athletic traits he possesses that could be enough to warrant consideration on Day 3.
His work as a deep safety is an issue. He’s a solid tackler that could work well in a robber role while Hooker mans centerfield.
Round 5: Malik Gant, Marshall
Despite his lean frame, Gant is extremely physical and will likely warrant plenty of consideration in the middle of Day 3. He would immediately be a special teams contributor while working as a rotational safety.
Gant’s approach toward the game is admirable. He’s always looking to run through a ball carrier, but his ball skills and lack of range will need development early on.
There are traits to like though, especially with his athleticism. This could make him a solid Day 3 pick even if the Colts have already added to the safety room.
Round 6: Ugo Amadi, Oregon
If the Colts are looking for a Day 3 safety that has been a proven leader on the defensive side of the ball, Amadi might be their guy. He lacks size to be a regular starter but would thrive as a depth piece and special teamer.
He might be best suited to work as a nickel cornerback while providing strong run support and working on special teams early on in his career. Amadi has decent speed, high character and a high motor.
His height (5’9) is likely what will push him down to be a late Day 3 pick.
Round 7: Darius West, Kentucky
West won’t be working as a deep safety in the NFL, and his injury history is more than enough to cause him to go undrafted. However, he can be a tone-setter on the defense, and he can provide leadership in the secondary.
If he can stay healthy and prove his leg injuries aren’t a factor, West would be a fine selection to round out the draft as a player that will contribute on special teams nad push the defense mentally.
