Rookie impact meter for Colts’ 2021 draft picks
The Indianapolis Colts came out of the 2021 NFL draft with seven selections and several high-upside prospects that have been adding to the roster in hopes of making an impact.
Some of these picks will make an impact quicker than others. Some may not even make an impact at all. It takes time for rookies to develop into clear starting roles if they ever get to that point, but some have quicker paths than others.
Using a 1-5 scale for predicting the impact for draft picks from the 2021 class, here’s how it will break down:
5: Full-time starter
4: Heavily in rotation, seeing large chunk of snaps
3: Rotational/depth player
2: Mostly special teams with limited or no snaps at position
1: Little to no impact or practice squad
Here’s a look at how much of an impact these rookies should be considered to make in 2021:
DE Kwity Paye
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The first-round pick out of Michigan is already getting some run with the first-team defense during OTAs this spring. This bodes well for his chances to take a starting role at strong-side defensive end when the season rolls around. The Colts use their edge rushers in rotation so Paye won't be getting 100% of the snaps, but he's likely to make the biggest impact in this class. Impact meter: 4 (Starting role in the rotation at SDE)
AP Photo/Wade Payne
If Odeyingbo was healthy, he would likely have a much higher rating when it comes to potential impact during his rookie season. But he will be working. back from a torn Achilles and could be using 2021 as a redshirt season. Maybe he gets let loose in the three games following the Week 14 bye, but Odeyingbo's impact should be taken with more of a future outlook. Impact meter: 2 (limited snaps due to injury)
AP Photo/Brandon Wade
The fourth-round pick out of SMU should have a pretty solid role from the jump given his skillset. The Colts love his ability to make explosive plays after the catch while his versatility should open up a path to a solid snap share right away. Granson may not put up gaudy numbers in the passing game, but he will have his share of targets while also making an impact as a depth piece behind Jack Doyle and Mo Alie-Cox. Impact meter: 3 (Rotational/depth piece)
S Shawn Davis
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The fifth-round pick out of Florida brings an aggressive play style and explosiveness to the secondary but seeing as the Colts already have their starters, Davis will be making his biggest impact on special teams and in the rotation as a third safety behind Khari Willis and Julian Blackmon. Impact meter: 2 (Special teams player with limited snaps on defense)
QB Sam Ehlinger
AP Photo/Darron Cummings
Ehlinger will be battling with 2020 fourth-round pick Jacob Eason for the backup role behind Carson Wentz. If he wins the job, he will be working behind the scenes getting ready in case something happens to Wentz. If he doesn't, he's headed to the practice squad. Either way, Ehlinger isn't projected to make a big impact outside of holding a backup role during his rookie season, which should be expected of a sixth-round pick. Impact meter: 1 (Little to no impact barring injury)
WR Mike Strachan
Strachan is an intriguing project for the Colts but it's highly unlikely he sees the field during the regular season unless the wide receiver room gets ravaged by injury. He's a developmental piece that will likely start out on the practice squad. Impact meter: 1 (Little to no impact)
OL Will Fries
Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Where Fries lines up mostly will help determine his role. Regardless, he will be competing for a depth spot along the offensive line. That will most likely come on the interior. Fries is intriguing, though, and could have a future with the Colts. Just don't expect an impact during his rookie season unless injuries befall the line. Impact meter: 2 (Special teams role and depth on OL)
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