Though the Indianapolis Colts didn’t have a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft after trading it for DeForest Buckner, they still got some strong production from their rookie class.
Ranked second by Pro Football Focus, the production of second-round picks Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor showed there is a foundation for the future of the offense.
In ESPN’s re-draft of the 2020 draft, the Colts kept their pick of Pittman Jr. at No. 34 but were forced to go in another direction with the No. 44 pick. Mike Wells, who covers the Colts for ESPN, made the selection of quarterback Jalen Hurts.
What better situation to be in as a rookie than learning behind the veteran Philip Rivers, who is in the top five in NFL history in touchdown passes and passing yards, and having Frank Reich, a former quarterback, as your head coach? Hurts could be in position to start in his second season, with Rivers’ decision to retire after 17 seasons. Hurts threw for 1,061 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions during his rookie season. — Mike Wells
For those wondering, Taylor wasn’t available in the 40s. After his outstanding rookie season, he went to the Miami Dolphins with the No. 26 pick in the re-draft.
In this alternate universe, Hurts would be ready to take over the starting role after the retirement of Philip Rivers, the Colts wouldn’t be searching for a quarterback as they are in reality.
That said, Hurts may not have been on the board for the Colts. They had two chances to grab him in the second round and passed him up both times. So even if there was a real re-draft, Hurts still may not be wearing the horseshoe.
As Taylor went to the Dolphins, safety Julian Blackmon was taken with the No. 42 overall pick in Jacksonville.
