With the NFL offseason just kicking off, Chat Sports is taking the time to reflect on the 2016 NFL Draft. While the true career arcs of these players won't be known for years to come, we do have an idea of which way the teams' draft classes are trending. For the Indianapolis Colts, the 2016 draft class was largely productive. Here's how we graded it:
Day One:
C Ryan Kelly, Rd. 1, Pick 18
This was a slam dunk pick for the Colts. They needed offensive line help in the worst way, and Kelly was their best lineman as soon as he walked into the facility. He will be one of Indianapolis' best players for the next 10-15 years.
Day Two:
S T.J. Green, Rd. 2, Pick 57
OT Le'Raven Clark, Rd. 3, Pick 82
These two combined to start seven games this season, and while each appear to have promising a future, Indianapolis needs to see some progression this offseason.
Day Three:
DL Hassan Ridgeway, Rd. 4, Pick 116
LB Antonio Morrison, Rd. 4, Pick 125
OT Joe Haeg, Rd. 5, Pick 155
LB Trevor Bates, Rd. 7, Pick 239
OL Austin Blythe, Rd. 7, Pick 248
In rounds 4-7, teams just hope to land one or two players who can contribute and make a career, and the Colts found one of those guys in Haeg, who started 14 games along the offensive line. Ridgeway and Morrison also look like they will have significant staying power.
Grade: B-
This class had some good hits and a few unproductive players. Landing Ryan Kelly in the first round gives them a top quality center that will anchor the offensive line for the next decade, and Joe Haeg proved to be a starter as well. For all the Colts draft coverage, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.