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Indianapolis Colts 2021 NFL Draft grades: More juice for the pass rush

By Jacob Schyvinck

Nov 2, 2019; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19), possible 2021 NFL Draft target of the Los Angeles Chargers, and linebacker Jordan Glasgow (29) prior to the snap during the 2g against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2019; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19), possible 2021 NFL Draft target of the Los Angeles Chargers, and linebacker Jordan Glasgow (29) prior to the snap during the 2g against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Indianapolis Colts DL Dayo Odeyingbo Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
New Indianapolis Colts DL Dayo Odeyingbo Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive End. Dayo Odeyingbo. 54. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Vanderbilt. player. 46

After getting a top edge rusher in the first round, many assumed that the Indianapolis Colts would likely go a different direction with their only day two selection. In fact, with many good tackles falling into day two, it was even thought Ballard could get aggressive, something he rarely does early in the draft, because of the need.

Instead, the Colts went out and added yet another player to the defensive line, further committing to building a dynamic and versatile pass rush. Versatility is the key word with this selection, as Dayo Odeyingbo has the “tweener” size to play multiple positions.

It’s likely he plays a lot of strongside defensive end once he gets back on the field, and could potentially move inside on passing downs to bring more juice to the front four. Odeyingbo has great length and hand usage for the position and brought the production as well (20 tackles for loss in his last 20 games).

The only real issue with Odeyingbo is the Achilles tear he suffered back in January. It’s hard to know the timeline for his return, and it may not be this season. Achilles injuries bring much more difficulty with returning to form, so Odeyingbo has a tough uphill battle.

The slight to the pick isn’t really about Odeyingbo or his injury, but with a couple of impact tackles available via a trade-up of a few picks, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher.

Grade: B-

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