Colts NFL Draft Prospect Rumors: Offense

Please Note-The Colts have met with all four major QB prospects (Stroud, Young, Richardson, Levis) and to eliminate redundancy of articles I have not included those 4 in this article as they have been discussed in previous content.

Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker
Reported Visit: Private Top 30

All Colts fans need to take a collective breath on this one. Do I think Hendon Hooker is a viable option for the starting quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, yes, I do. Do I think it will happen? No, I do not. Hooker has all the tools to be a starter in this league. However, his older age and coming off a major knee injury has given some teams pause now of drafting him at the top of the draft. While he did not have a throwing session at the combine (due to ACL recovery), he did take interviews and did white board sessions with prospective teams.

He is high on some teams draft boards (reportedly) but where that number land is a total guess to all of us. All indications out of the combine is that he shined in all aspects. The only way Indianapolis drafts Hooker would be if they are truly not sold on any of the big 4 names at quarterback this year and they either trade back to accumulate picks or draft him with their second-round selection or a late first-round pick.

Ohio State OT Dawand Jones
Reported Visit: Private Top 30

One phrase can describe Ohio State’s Dawand Jones: Massive Human Being. Jones measurements were jaw dropping at the combine. He came in at 6’8 and weighing 374 pounds. He has huge hands and a nearly 88-inch wingspan. He also had the longest arm length as well. 

He has played right tackle his entire career at Ohio State and the Colts are in good position at both sides. Guard is the position that they need to address. They may be looking at Jones as a depth piece behind starting RG Braden Smith. Look for Indianapolis to target him in late in Day 2 or early in Day 3 if he is still available.

Purdue TE Payne Durham
Reported Visit: Private Top 30

Even with a stacked TE room, Indianapolis is looking to add to the cupboard. Colts did sign Pharaoh Brown last week, which could spell the end of Mo Alie-Cox tenure in Indy. Durham can make plays but he is known for his ability to block.

With the Indy’s weakness on the offensive line this type of tight end can be crucial going forward. Its not guaranteed Durham would make the roster in training camp but he could be a practice squad player that can be developed for a couple of seasons until he is ready.

Oklahoma OT Wanya Morris
Reported Visit: Combine

Wanya Morris is your typical Chris Ballard OL prospect. He has length, size, massive wingspan and he is explosive off the line of scrimmage. Morris did suffer a Grade 2 Hamstring injury at the combine while running his 40-yard dash.

He did not participate in Oklahoma’s Pro Day due to his injury but will have his own workouts for clubs on April 11^th. He is considered a top 75 prospect with a Day 2 Draft expectancy. Colts have a desperate need for depth both tackle spots so Morris would be a welcome addition to the team.

Purdue QB Aiden O’Connell
Reported Visit: Private Top 30

O’Connell started his career in West Lafayette as a preferred walk-on before securing the starting position 2 years ago. He amassed a 17-11 record as a starter and led Purdue to a Big Ten Championship game berth last season.

He threw for nearly 4000 yards and 22 TDs with 132 QB Rating. He has great size and arm strength. While he is not expected to be a starter in this league, he should be a late Day 3 draft selection and bring competition as a backup quarterback in this league.

Cincinnati WR Tyler Scott
Reported Visit: Private Top 30

This is not the first time that Indianapolis has shown interest in a Cincinnati Bearcat wide receiver. Indianapolis drafted Alec Pierce with their first pick in last years draft. While Scott is a bit undersized for the position he has speed, superior route running skills, and great ability to "take the top off the defense."

As mentioned, his size is concerning, and he did record 7 drops last season. Expect Scott to be a late Day 3 selection or signed as a UDFA.

BYU QB Jaren Hall
Reported Visit: Private Workout/Pro Day Meeting

As with any team this time of the year, the Colts continue to do their due diligence on all QB prospects. However, Indianapolis seems to be really looking into Jaren Hall as they flew out to the Nevada to conduct a private workout with Hall and they met with him after his pro day as well. He would be best suited for a heavy play action scheme as he is a bit undersized for the position.

Hall is projected as a mid-round pick. Could this be a smoke screen? Or could this be the replacement for Sam Ehlinger as the teams 3^rd string/developmental QB. I don’t think Ballard would wait this long to draft the QB of the future but Ballard has always been unpredictable.

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