The Colts drafted a whooping 11 players during April's NFL draft. And added 15 undrafted free agents after the draft and have made multiple moves since to round out a large rookie class.

This new series will be sharing stock updates on Colts' rookies throughout the season. Who is separating themselves from the pact? Who isn't meeting expectations? 

The 1st week of Colts training camp is already in the books. So from the Colts 1st round pick Anthony Richardson to undrafted free agent Zavier Scott, how are the Colts' 2023 rookie classes stocks progressing? 

Stock Updates

Anthony Richardson: ??

The Colt’s 1st-round pick Anthony Richardson has wowed many in the Colts building, and I’m not even referencing his work on the field. His dedication to improvement and desire to be great is what is standing out the most amongst his peers and coaches. A team source spoke to this by saying, “His grind off the field is 2nd to none and well beyond his years. I just don’t see, with his talent and that work ethic how he is anything but successful.” That, paired with him already splitting 1st team snaps with veteran Gardner Minshew has Richardson well on track to being the team’s week 1 starter.

Julius Brents: ?

The Colts’ 2nd-round pick’s stock is down for something out of his control, which is him missing time due to injury. Julius Brents hasn’t been able to suit up for practice during rookie minicamp or training camp due to injuries. Brents was also sidelined before the draft when he attended the Colts’ local pro day. Hopefully, Brents can suit up soon as other corners take advantage of their opportunity during the ongoing battles for the team’s starting corner jobs.

Will Mallory: ?

Will Mallory, the Colts’ 5th-round pick, started training camp on the PUP list and was recently taken off. The team’s TE battle is on the minds of many, including GM Chris Ballard, who highlighted it as one he has his eyes on specifically. So having to miss anytime isn’t ideal for Mallory. The team, though, is very high on him; when I asked a team source about the Miami TE, they had this to say “We see him as a true dual threat as a TE. A player you aren’t forced to take off the field situationally, someone who can be a true difference maker in both the run and passing game.” 

Evan Hull: ??

The Colts RB situation has been less than ideal through camp, with Jonathan Taylor being on PUP (and his trade request) along with Zack Moss breaking his arm during practice Monday. Those two being sidelined has opened up more opportunities for the other backs in camp. And so far, the back to shine the brightest is rookie Evan Hull. I was told after the draft that Hull’s ability in the passing game won the team over during the scouting process, and he’s certainly shown that early in camp. But his comfort level running between the tackles has been a pleasant surprise. If Taylor and Moss both end up missing regular-season snaps, Hull should be 1st in line to take over the starting job. And he should certainly get plenty of action during the team’s upcoming preseason. 

Jaylon Jones: ?

The Colts elected to draft three CBs during the 2023 NFL draft, with Jaylon Jones out of Texas A&M being the last coming in the 7th round. The team was shocked to see Jones still available as their pick approached in the 7th round. A corner with his success level in the SEC being there in round 7 was a no-brainer for the team. They even considered him earlier, but after going two corners already went in different directions. 

The Colts' corner battle is intense, as two spots seem to be up for grabs. With fellow rookies Brents and Rush sidelined Jones has had more opportunities and flashed early in camp. A team source spoke to me about Jones, saying, "We love the aggression he plays with. So disruptive from the snap to the ending whistle. Simply doesn't look or play like a 7th-round pick." 

Emil Ekiyor: ?

Indiana native Emil Ekiyor, out of the University of Alabama, was arguably the Colts’ highest-profile undrafted free agent signing of the year. Ekiyor was viewed by many as a late-day-two, early-day-three draft prospect. But a late medical flag would force the lineman to go undrafted. 

The Colts' right guard job was projected to be up for grabs entering camp, but so far, Will Fries has dominated the 1st team reps. Ekiyor was believed to be in competition for the team's starting job but, so far, has mainly worked with the 3rd team offense. It now seems that Ekiyor isn't battling for a starting job but instead a roster spot.

Zavier Scott: ?

Zavier Scott is an undrafted free agent out of Maine, where he spent time at both RB and WR. So far, Scott has worked strictly with the RBs through training camp, and his speed and size stand out. I believe his incredible versatility gives Scott a solid chance to make the team’s roster. Head coach Shane Steichen spoke to his versatility and current role with the team by saying, “He can play the F tight end, the receiver, the running back, and all that stuff. Right now, he’s playing the running back for us.”

Source: Jonathan Taylor asking price is a non-starter for the Colts and the NFL

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Free agent RB options for the Colts

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