Colts continue to stockpile at loaded position through NFL Draft
The Indianapolis Colts have done a great job addressing needs and filling roster holes through the 2023 NFL Draft. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen have executed their strategy well. Indianapolis targeted their franchise quarterback right out of the gate. Then, they went out and bolstered the secondary and added pass catchers […]
The Indianapolis Colts have done a great job addressing needs and filling roster holes through the 2023 NFL Draft. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen have executed their strategy well.
Indianapolis targeted their franchise quarterback right out of the gate. Then, they went out and bolstered the secondary and added pass catchers in the middle rounds. Even more importantly, each of the prospects have impressive athletic profiles.
In the fifth-round, the Colts opted to continue stockpiling at the most loaded position on the roster: running back. Indianapolis selected Northwestern ball carrier Evan Hull with their ninth selection.
Hull is a three-down back that could provide immediate value for the Colts as a rookie. He accounted for 2,732 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns during his final two seasons on the collegiate level.
Additionally, Hull led all FBS running backs with 54 receptions in 2022. He joins a crowded position unit that also features Jonathan Taylor, Zack Moss, and Deon Jackson. But it's easy to see the Northwestern product carving out his own role.
His ability to catch passes will be key for Indianapolis. It adds another dimension to the offense, an element that should complement the rest of the backs on the roster. Steichen had success with a similar type of player in Kenneth Gainwell with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Furthermore, Hull fits the theme of the draft for the Colts. He's a good athlete that tested well at the NFL Scouting Combine right in Indy. He recorded a 9.32 in the Relative Athletic Score, running a 4.47 40-yard dash and jumping 37 inches in the vertical leap.
Indianapolis has now used four more selections on the offensive side of the ball in the process of building around Anthony Richardson. The Colts drafted wide receiver Josh Downs in the third-round, offensive tackle Blake Freeland in the fourth, and tight end Will Mallory in the fifth.
