The Indianapolis Colts selected California safety Daniel Scott with the No. 158 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Scott was on the Colts’ radar throughout the pre-draft process, and he profiles as the type of prospect the front office likes to target on Day 3. With Julian Blackmon in a contract year, adding depth to the position was necessary.
Here’s our instant analysis of the pick:
How this pick helps the Colts
Scott will be a potential special teams ace who brings impressive athleticism and depth to the safety room. The Colts are always looking for traits-based players on Day 3, and Scott fits that mold.
What this pick means for the defense
A 25-year-old rookie, Scott probably won’t be competing for a significant role on the defensive side of the ball. However, his athleticism and movement skills provide some nice depth behind Julian Blackmon, Rodney Thomas II and Nick Cross.
How he will be used
Scott’s best path to making the team will be through special teams. He has the potential to be a special teams ace in that phase of the game after specializing in that role at California. He earned the team’s special teams MVP award in 2019 and was a team captain in 2022.
Scouting Report
Here’s a scouting report on Scott from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, who gave him a Round 6 grade:
A team captain with size, tools and six seasons of collegiate experience, Scott will turn 25 during the 2023 season. His age could hurt his chances with some teams, but his athleticism and four-phase special teams background will help him with others. He’s more confident and capable as a field-reading center fielder than he is sifting through bunch formations and matching in man coverage. He was a teammate to four Cal defensive backs who were drafted in recent years, and he could be next up thanks to his football character and special teams talent.
Quick grade
Scott has a very limited ceiling due to his advanced age and pigeon-holed role as a special teamer, but there is upside that he could be a special teams ace from the jump, and he’ll be competing for the final spot in the safety room with Trevor Denbow and potentially veteran.
Grade: C+
