When the 2018 season was all said and done, the Indianapolis Colts found several gems in their draft class to the point that there is an argument it surpasses the group headlined by quarterback Andrew Luck in 2012.
While that’s a different argument for another day, Colts general manager and the scouting staff truly had a spectacular crop come out of the 2018 draft. The highly-impactful group was graded as the best in the AFC South by NFL.com.
The class received the only “A” grade of the division. Here’s what Nick Shook of NFL.com said about the group:
What a class. GM Chris Ballard eschewed sexier picks in the early rounds, instead selecting the best lineman in the draft in Nelson, who immediately paid dividends while earning All-Pro honors. Smith is a competent tackle who could improve into a very good player with proper coaching. Leonard was a revelation at linebacker, taking home Defensive Rookie of the Year while also earning All-Pro honors. Turay’s future is bright on the edge after he recorded four sacks in 14 games.
He went on to detail the entire class for the Colts, which turned out to be an extremely strong group of players that found ways to carve out significant roles in all three phases of the game.
With this class, the Colts have built the majority of the roster’s foundation. Having an elite quarterback already under center helps expedite the process, but the Colts are already getting early returns from their selections in a way that paved a path to the playoffs.
What’s even more encouraging is the Colts are likely to have nine picks to add to the already-talent foundation in the upcoming 2019 NFL Draft, which takes place at the end of April.
Ballard has preached about building the roster through the draft, and his second one as general manager in 2018 could very well stick out as one of his best given the early impact the group has had.
