Experts give Colts mixed grades for Day 2 NFL draft picks
Experts give Colts mixed grades for Day 2 NFL draft picks What grades did the experts give the Indianapolis Colts for their Day 2 NFL draft selections?
What grades did the experts give the Indianapolis Colts for their Day 2 NFL draft selections?
In the second round, the Colts would land polished defensive end JT Tuimoloau from Ohio State. Tuimoloau fits the typical mold we see GM Chris Ballard target at defensive end with this size and athleticism.
He's also an experienced player who was a three-down presence at Ohio State, ranking sixth in PFF's run defense grade and 14th in pressures among his position group.
The Colts landed a Day 1 contributor who brings a well-rounded skill set to a position where more depth and consistency are needed.
Then in the third round, the Colts selected Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley, who has spent his college career on the boundary, but is someone the Colts believe can play inside.
Walley has been stingy in his career in coverage, surrendering a completion rate of just 53%, although he has given up big plays as well, with opponents averaging over 17 yards per catch in 2024. While a bit undersized, Ballard noted his speed and toughness, which he believes will help Walley's skill set translate to the NFL level.
Versatility is important in Lou Anarumo's scheme, and perhaps Walley can be the backup option behind Kenny Moore in the slot--prior to the draft, there wasn't a clear option for that role on the roster--but even so, particularly with the unknown on the offensive line, this felt like a luxury pick that I don't know the Colts are in a position to make.
So with the dust having somewhat settled on these selections, what grades did the Colts receive?
Colts Day 2 NFL draft grades from experts
USA Today
JT Tuimoloau: B
Justin Walley: C-
Pro Football Focus
JT Tuimoloau: Average
Justin Walley: Below Average
33rd Team
JT Tuimoloau: C+
Justin Walley: C
Bleacher Report
JT Tuimoloau: B
Justin Walley: C+
CBS Sports
JT Tuimoloau: B+
Justin Wiley: C
Sports Illustrated
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NBC Sports
9 minutes ago
- NBC Sports
Rivals Camp Series: The five best QBs of the 2025 regionals
Editor's Note: This article first appeared on the leader in college football and basketball recruiting coverage. Be the first to know and follow your teams by signing up here. The regional stops of the Rivals Camp Series is in the books with the Rivals Five-Star at the Indianapolis Colts' practice facility coming up later this month. Today, we look at the best players at each position through the regional events starting with quarterback. RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy | Rivals Five-Star roster | Schedule/info CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker Houston showed in Dallas that he has all the traits of an elite quarterback and it's why USC has made him its top priority in the 2027 class and many others, including Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M and LSU, are staying involved. The Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian high four-star is not the biggest quarterback in the world but that's what everyone said about Kyler Murray, Bryce Young and so many others. In today's game, quarterback height is less important than ever before. Houston is a playmaker and even if a camp setting isn't the best for him, the four-star still delivered in a major way. Over the last few days, Jarrard has visited Purdue, Notre Dame and Clemson and heading into the Atlanta camp he had received offers from Georgia and Ohio State as the 2027 four-star from Kennesaw (Ga.) North Cobb is one of the hottest quarterbacks in the entire country. The ball pops off Jarrard's hand. He has velocity, timing and everything else to back up all the attention he's received on the recruiting trail. The Atlanta Camp was loaded at quarterback and even though Jarrard didn't win the MVP award, he was definitely impressive and one of the best QBs at any Rivals regional camp. To beat out Teddy Jarrard, North Carolina commit Travis Burgess, Mississippi State pledge Brodie McWhorter and others for the MVP award, Johnson had a phenomenal performance at the Atlanta camp which was one of many this offseason. The 2027 four-star quarterback from Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes was sharp, showed off great arm talent, had a clean motion throughout the event and then seemed to get better and better throughout the camp. It was a close race at the top but Johnson edged out some other elite quarterbacks. The five-star quarterback was fantastic as always at the Los Angeles stop and what's even more impressive is that a camp setting is not where Lyons does his best work. The Folsom, Calif., standout sat in the pocket and zipped passes all over the field. He knows when to dial it back a little bit and has such an unreal feel for receivers and immediately having chemistry with them. Lyons is best when he can freelance a little bit, escape pressure and make magic happen and that's not a camp setting but he was still great. Oregon, BYU, Michigan and others continue after him. It's hard to believe that Wade is a 2028 prospect because he has all the tools and is physically developed enough that it wouldn't be a shock to anyone if he reclassified because he doesn't need three more high school seasons. He's now the guy at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy and he should shine because he is a special prospect who will clearly be under five-star consideration. Wade was arguably the best quarterback at the loaded Los Angeles event, which is always so deep at the position. Even still, the 2028 prospect stood out. He has the total package from decision-making to arm talent and beyond. Oregon, Texas and others have already made an impression.
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NFL Playmaker Retires at 32-Years-Old to Go Back to College
NFL Playmaker Retires at 32-Years-Old to Go Back to College originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A former Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver is retiring from the NFL, but he already has a new career path. Advertisement NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that receiver Chris Conley is hanging up his cleats. Instead of playing football this fall, the former wideout will go back to the University of Georgia to earn a film degree. "Veteran NFL WR Chris Conley, who most recently played for the 49ers, has decided to retire after 10 seasons to follow his dream his agent Jonathan Perzley of Sportstars said," post Rapoport on X. "Conley is heading to film school back at UGA to pursue dreams of being a film maker. So cool." Conley is retiring after 10 seasons in the NFL. He played his first four years with the Kansas City Chiefs. Advertisement Over the next six seasons, Conley appeared in games for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers. Former Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Chris Conley© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Conley's best statistical season came with the Jaguars in 2019 when he had 47 catches for 775 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Conley also had five touchdowns with the Chiefs in 2018, which was Patrick Mahomes' first season as a starter. In 2024, the 32-year-old had six catches for 76 yards while playing 239 offensive snaps. Conley spent four years with the Bulldogs from 2011-14. He increased his yardage output after every season at Georgia. As a senior, Conley averaged 18.3 yards per catch and scored eight touchdowns. In 49 career college games, he had 117 receptions, 1,938 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. Advertisement Conley represented the University of Georgia well in the NFL. In his next chapter, he'll try to represent the school in Hollywood. Related: Ex-Georgia QB Carson Beck's Massive NIL Deal With Miami Revealed This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Kansas City Chiefs' 'Defensive Triplets' Disrespected in NFL Rankings
Kansas City Chiefs' 'Defensive Triplets' Disrespected in NFL Rankings originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Kansas City Chiefs hope to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX just four months ago. Advertisement The defense will look different as there have been additions and subtractions, mostly part of general manager Brett Veach's plan to get better. But it's three familiar faces that show up on SI's "defensive triplets" rankings, where the Chiefs' trio of Chris Jones, Nick Bolton and Trent McDuffie show up at No. 6, inside the top 10 but not in the first five, which is curious. 6. Kansas City Chiefs Triplets: Chris Jones, Nick Bolton, Trent McDuffie "Jones again played like the best defensive tackle in the NFL. His elite performances helped the Chiefs make the Super Bowl for the third consecutive season. McDuffie had no trouble playing on the outside full-time, and Bolton's consistency was rewarded with a three-year, $45 million extension." Advertisement Jones, the six-time Pro Bowler, posted 37 tackles with 19 solo and nine for loss with five sacks, a forced fumble and 20 QB hits. That's his lowest sack total since he registered two in his rookie year in 2016. In his fourth season last year, Bolton amassed 106 total tackles with 73 solo and 11 for loss. He added a career-high three sacks, an interception, six passes defended and two fumble recoveries with one forced fumble. McDuffie posted 59 total tackles with 45 solo and six for loss with half a sack and four QB hits across 16 games. He added a pair of interceptions, 13 passes defended and a forced fumble. If the Chiefs are going to bounce back from a disappointing end to the 2024 campaign, then it will be partly due to the play of their "defensive triplets." This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
