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Indianapolis Colts: List of 2017 NFL Draft picks

By Russell S. Baxter

Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indianapolis Colts have seven picks in the 2017 NFL Draft. When do they pick?

New Indianapolis Colts’ general manager Chris Ballard has been doing his best to solve the team’s long-time albatross. It’s been quite a spell since the franchise fielded a top-notch defensive unit. This past season, the Colts allowed the third-most total yards in the league. And the lack of continuous improvement on this side of the ball was one reason Ryan Grigson is no longer employed by the organization.

Ballard has added outside linebackers John Simon, Jabaal Sheaard and Barkevious Mingo, inside linebacker Sean Spence and defensive linemen Johnathan Hankins, Margus Hunt and Al Woods via free agency in an attempt to change the fortunes of this unit. The team also has seven draft choices at its disposal in an attempt to do the same.

Here are their 2017 NFL Draft picks:

Round 1 – 15th overall
Round 2 – 46th overall
Round 3 – 80th overall
Round 4 – 122nd overall
Round 4 – 144th overall
Round 5 – 158th overall
Round 6 – 200th overall

Head coach Chuck Pagano’s supposed forte is defense. However, the Colts have finished 20th or lower in the NFL in total defense in each of the past six seasons. In 2016, the club gave up 24.6 points per game, totaled only 33 sacks (11 by Erik Walden, currently a free agent) and managed a mere 17 takeaways. Ballard is hoping that both Simon and Sheard can spark the disappointing pass rush.

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After three consecutive 11-win seasons and playoff appearances, the Indianapolis Colts have finished 8-8 each of the past two years. They have also have not been as dominant within the division over that span, a big reason they’ve given way to the Houston Texans as of late. The numerous free-agent additions, combined with some solid drafting, could once again catapult this club to the top of the AFC South.

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