22. OT Anthony Castonzo A

Protecting Peyton Manning’s blindside is clearly their biggest need. Manning had way too little time in the pocket last year. This, along with hits to his arm, led to an abnormal amount of picks for Manning. With a better line, he could easily regain his pre-2010 form. Castonzo is a very good value at this point.

49. OT Benjamin Ijalana A

Adding another offensive lineman was necessary. Ijalana can fill a need at guard or as a bookend tackle across from Castonzo. The Colts’ offensive line was one of their worst in the Peyton Manning era last year. If Castonzo and Ijalana, who I graded as a late first rounder, can play like I think they can, this could be one of the best lines in the Peyton Manning era. That’s scary.

87. DT Drake Nevis A

Defensive tackle has been a need forever and Nevis, a borderline first rounder in my book, fits the scheme like a glove here. They couldn’t have done anything too much better with their first 3 picks.

119. RB Delone Carter A-

Carter is a minor reach at this point in my book, but they couldn’t do anything on the ground when Joseph Addai was hurt last year and they can’t count on him in the future given his past injury history.

188. S Chris Rucker C+

Safety was a need, but I’m not even sure Rucker is a safety. I think he’s a tweener that won’t be able to do much other than special teams. There were better available safeties.

Overall:

I said it before and I’ll say it again. I don’t think their first 3 picks could have been drafted much better. Nevis helps their run defense a lot and Castonzo and Ijalana can help turn this offensive line around in a hurry, which will help Peyton Manning bounce back from one of his worst seasons in his career. That will go a long way towards this team regaining its elite status and contending for a Super Bowl once more. Delone Carter will also have a role on this team. I didn’t like the Chris Rucker pick, but that’s not enough for me to take away their A. I think this might have been my favorite single draft.

Grade: A