NFL Draft analyst makes puzzling selection for the Colts in recent mock draft

Dane Brugler of The Athletic is one of the brightest minds in the NFL Draft world. And he released his first mock draft of the year, which included a surprising selection for the Indianapolis Colts.  With the 21st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Dane Brugler of the Atheltic selected offensive tackle Tyler Guyton out […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Oklahoma s Tyler Guyton (60) is pictured at OU media day in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023.
NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Dane Brugler of The Athletic is one of the brightest minds in the NFL Draft world.

And he released his first mock draft of the year, which included a surprising selection for the Indianapolis Colts. 

With the 21st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Dane Brugler of the Atheltic selected offensive tackle Tyler Guyton out of Oklahoma for the Colts. 

To see Brugler have the Colts drafting an offensive tackle this high is pretty shocking to me. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann has cemented himself as a household name this season and as the long-term LT for the Colts. And the Colts currently have RT Braden Smith under contract until 2026. On top of that, the Colts drafted Blake Freeland in the 4th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he's had to fill in as a starter for six games this season. Freeland certainly had some rookie moments, but overall, he showed promise and improvement as he continued to get reps. 

Brugler explained his selection in his mock draft by saying: 

"General manager Chris Ballard loves trech players with big-time traits and Guyton fits the bill. At 6-6, 320, he moves like a tight end but has the aggressive mentality of an offensive lineman. Investing in protection for Anthony Richardson would be a smart move, and Guyton has the talent to compete for starting right tackle snaps as a rookie" 

– Dane Brugler

While I really like Guyton as a prospect (27th on my big board), I have a hard time seeing the Colts draft a tackle in the first round, knowing that they currently have their starting LT, RT, and a young, promising option at swing tackle already on the roster. 

Notable players drafted after the Colts pick: 

  • Brian Thomas, WR LSU (23rd to the Pittsburgh Steelers)
  • Cooper DeJean, CB Iowa (24th to the Houston Texans)
  • JT Tuimoloa, Edge Ohio State (27th to the Detroit Lions) 
  • Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio State (28th to the Jacksonville Jaguars) 
  • Troy Franklin, WR Oregon (Not drafted by Brugler) 

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