NFL Draft analyst loves the Colts 2024 NFL Draft class

The Indianapolis Colts drafted nine players in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Emory Hunt of CBS Sports was a big fan. Hunt joined the Ross Tucker Football podcast, where he shared his thoughts on the draft classes of all four AFC South teams, including the Colts.  Hunt's thoughts on the Colts 2024 draft class Hunt holds […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard speaks to the media Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, the Colts Complex.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Indianapolis Colts drafted nine players in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Emory Hunt of CBS Sports was a big fan. 

Hunt joined the Ross Tucker Football podcast, where he shared his thoughts on the draft classes of all four AFC South teams, including the Colts. 

youtube placeholder image

Hunt's thoughts on the Colts 2024 draft class

Hunt holds the Colts draft class in high regard. But there were three picks in particular that seem to be his favorites. 

Adonai Mitchell 

Hunt had quite the endorsement for the Colts 2nd round pick Adonai Mitchell, comparing him to Dallas Cowboys WR Adonai Mitchell. 

If Hunt is right and the Colts got a talent anywhere near Lamb's, with the 52nd pick In the 2nd round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Lamb has been named to three Pro Bowls, as well as being named a first team All-Pro in 2023. Mitchell will have to compete in training camp for a starting job, but the talent is evident, and it's nice to see the type of player Hunt believes he is/can be. 

Tanor Bortolini

Hunt was also a big fan of the Colts' round-four selection of Tanor Bortolini. He even went as far to say he ranked Bortolini as the best center in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Bortolini was my number one center in the class, so I'm very high on him. And it looks like the Colts are going to work him in at guard. But man, we talk about sight unseen a lot, Wisconsin offensive lineman sign me up. But he was the best center for me in the class." 

– Emory Hunt

Bortolini won't be a day one starter, bearing any injuries to the Colts' intact 2023 starting offensive line. But I think he has a lot of upside to be a future starter for the team at either center or guard. And both Ryan Kelly and Will Fires are set to become free agents after the 2024 season. 

Justin Simpson

The Colts not only drafted Hunt's top center in the class, but they also drafted another top player in Hunt's positional rankings. With Colts 5th-round pick Jaylin Simpson grading out as his top FS in the class. 

"Jaylin Simpson was my number one FS. I don't know if the Colts bought the draft guide, but it's looking like it. Terrific Instincts does a great job in staying disciplined. That was a part of the FS position this year, someone you could trust back deep in deep third, and he doesn't break until he sees the football and has the acceleration to get there" 

– Emory Hunt 

Simpson is projected to compete at both corner and safety in training camp. I agree with Hunt that Simpson's ability as a deep safety should be where the Colts prioritize playing him. But from the sounds of it, the Colts are going to try him at CB first.