2022 NFL Draft: Grading Every Team’s 2022 NFL Draft Haul
By Hunter Haas
Colts (8 picks):
2:21 – Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
3:09 – Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia
3:13 – Bernhard Raimann, OL, Central Michigan
3:32 – Nick Cross, Safety, Maryland
5:16 – Eric Johnson, DT, Missouri State
6:13 – Andrew Ogletree, TE, Youngstown St.
6:38 – Curtis Brooks, DL, Cincinnati
7:18 – Rodney Thomas II, Safety, Yale
The Indianapolis Colts entered the offseason with little flexibility. They had a quarterback that everyone knew they didn’t want, and general manager Chris Ballard still convinced the Washington Commanders to send two picks for Carson Wentz.
He then used a single third rounder to bring in Matt Ryan as the replacement. The Colts also traded Rock Ya-Sin for Yannick Ngakoue, reuniting the pass rusher with his former defensive coordinator and new Colts defensive coordinator — Gus Bradley. To cap it off, Stephon Gilmore signed with Indy, replacing Ya-Sin.
Entering the 2022 NFL Draft, the most glaring needs were at wide receiver, tight end, and left tackle. Ballard addressed each of those needs on day two, with Alec Pierce, Jelani Woods, and Bernhard Raimann all capable of contributing at a high level as rookies. Pierce should immediately slot in as the WR2 on the depth chart and Woods/Raimann will push for a starting role as well.
Later, they traded a 2023 third-round pick in order to get back on the clock to take safety Nick Cross at No. 96 overall, a guy I had a top-55 grade on. The day three picks are merely depth additions, but considering where the Colts started the offseason, and where they presently sit now, this draft class was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Grade: B