2015 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts Redraft – Hindsight is 20/20
The 2015 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for many teams, including the Indianapolis Colts. While the Colts aimed to bolster their roster for a Super Bowl run, a redraft exercise reveals significant differences between their actual selections and players who would have better served the team in retrospect. Let’s examine how the Colts’ 2015 draft could have been different with the benefit of hindsight.
What Did the Colts Originally Do in the 2015 NFL Draft?
The Colts’ first pick was Phillip Dorsett, a wide receiver out of Miami. At the time, the pick was met with some criticism, as many felt the Colts had other more pressing needs. The rest of the draft included players like D’Joun Smith (CB), Henry Anderson (DE), Clayton Geathers (S), and Josh Robinson (RB). While some of these players contributed, none became long-term stars for the team.
Who Would the Colts Draft Differently in a 2015 Redraft?
Given the Colts’ needs and the talent available in the 2015 draft class, a redraft would likely see them prioritize different positions and players. Here are a few possibilities for their first-round pick:
Round 1: Instead of Phillip Dorsett
With their original first-round pick, the Colts likely would have targeted a player to address their defense or offensive line. A popular choice could have been defensive tackle Arik Armstead (Wikipedia). Armstead went on to have a successful career with the San Francisco 49ers and would have provided much-needed stability and pass rush to the Colts’ defensive line.
Later Rounds: Addressing Other Needs
In later rounds, the Colts could have targeted players who developed into valuable contributors for other teams. For instance, a player like linebacker Kwon Alexander, or offensive lineman Joe Thuney could have provided significant upgrades at their respective positions.
Why the Redraft Matters
Looking back, it’s clear the Colts’ 2015 draft didn’t yield the impact players they hoped for. A redraft highlights the importance of evaluating talent accurately and addressing the team’s specific needs. While hindsight is always 20/20, these types of exercises are useful for evaluating and refining team’s drafting process in future years.
FAQs About the 2015 NFL Draft and Colts
What was the biggest need the Colts had going into the 2015 draft?
Many analysts felt the Colts needed to improve their offensive line and pass rush.
Was Phillip Dorsett a bust for the Colts?
While Dorsett wasn’t a complete bust, he didn’t live up to the expectations of a first-round pick and was later traded.
Who was the best player drafted in the 2015 NFL Draft?
Many consider defensive end Danielle Hunter and wide receiver Stefon Diggs among the top players drafted in the 2015 draft.
How did the Colts’ 2015 draft affect their performance in subsequent seasons?
The lack of impact players from the 2015 draft likely contributed to the Colts’ struggles in the years following the draft.
What pick number did Colts draft Phillip Dorsett?
The Colts drafted Phillip Dorsett with the 29th overall pick.
Summary
The 2015 NFL Draft represents a missed opportunity for the Indianapolis Colts. While the team aimed to add key pieces for a championship run, their selections didn’t pan out as hoped. A redraft exercise suggests that prioritizing defensive or offensive line improvements, with a player like Arik Armstead, and finding more value in later rounds, could have significantly altered the team’s trajectory in the years following the draft.
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