Reviewing the Chris Ballard era: The 2024 draft class

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) disrupts a pass by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With the 2017 through 2023 classes already reviewed, the next stop in the Chris Ballard draft review series is 2024. This one needs to be handled a little differently because it is still early.

For the older classes, enough time has passed to make firmer judgments. With this group, the players are only two years into their careers, so these should be viewed more as progress grades than final grades. Players can still improve, fall off, change roles, or completely alter how this class is remembered over the next few seasons.

That said, we can still judge what the Colts have gotten so far.

The early returns are mixed. Laiatu Latu looks like a quality starting edge rusher and a player the defensive line can build around. Matt Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini have already given the Colts starting-level play on the offensive line. Anthony Gould has contributed as a returner. Jaylon Carlies has provided some depth and special teams work.

But the Adonai Mitchell pick was a massive miss for Indianapolis, and the bottom of the class has not given them anything to this point.

Round 1, Pick 15: Laiatu Latu, EDGE

Latu has been a very good pick so far.

He came into the league with high expectations as the first defensive player selected in the draft, and while he has not become a superstar yet, he has clearly become an impact starter. His sophomore season was a major step forward, as he finished with 8.5 sacks and doubled his rookie production.

Latu is a threat off the edge and someone opposing offenses have to account for. He has enough pass-rushing ability to win on his own, and he gives the Colts a young player they can build the defensive line around moving forward.

The only reason this is not higher is that the expectations are different when you are the first defensive player taken in a draft. You are hoping for a star. Latu is not quite there yet, but he is still a very good player through two seasons.

Progress Grade: A-

Round 2, Pick 52: Adonai Mitchell, WR

Mitchell was a major disappointment in Indianapolis.

Some will blame Shane Steichen for how things played out, and there may be some truth to that. However, this series is grading what the Colts actually got out of the pick, and the return was extremely poor.

Mitchell never became the player the Colts hoped he would be. His time with the team was frustrating, and if anything, his mistakes actively hurt them, including a costly performance against the Rams. Maybe he becomes a star with the Jets... maybe a change of scenery unlocks him. That that does not change what happened in Indianapolis.

A second-round pick being off the roster after two seasons is a big failure.

Progress Grade: F

Round 3, Pick 79: Matt Goncalves, OL

Goncalves was probably the weakest starter on the offensive line last season, but that still says something positive about where he is in his development.

He gave the Colts a quality starting season in his second year, and for a third-round pick, that is a good return so far. He also brings valuable versatility along the offensive line, which gives the team options. His long-term position may still be up for debate, but right guard feels like the likeliest spot unless Jalen Farmer pushes him hard.

There is still room for improvement, but the early signs are encouraging. If a third-round offensive lineman is already giving you starting snaps by Year 2, that is a win.

Progress Grade: B

Round 4, Pick 117: Tanor Bortolini, C

Bortolini has been one of the best picks in this class so far.

He had big shoes to fill after Ryan Kelly, and he handled the transition extremely well. Playing next to Quenton Nelson obviously helps, but Bortolini held his own against almost everyone and gave the Colts steady play in the middle of the offensive line.

The key point is that there was not much of a drop-off from Kelly to Bortolini, which is a huge compliment for a fourth-round pick.

Finding a starting center in the fourth round is outstanding work. If he keeps building on what he has shown, this could end up being the best pick of the class.

Progress Grade: A

Round 5, Pick 142: Anthony Gould, WR

Gould has been a special teams player, and that is probably what he will remain.

As a receiver, there is not much there. It is hard to see him ever providing much offensive production. As a returner, he has carved out a useful role, and that counts for something.

For a fifth-round pick, becoming a good special teams player is perfectly acceptable. You would love more offensive upside, but the good return game contribution keeps this from being a poor pick.

Progress Grade: C+

Round 5, Pick 151: Jaylon Carlies, LB

Carlies had some encouraging moments as a rookie, and there was hope he might develop into a quality starter.

Based on last season, that feels less likely now.

He looks more like an okay backup and useful special teams player than someone who will become a long-term starter. That still has some value, especially for a fifth-round pick, but it is not a major hit.

He can still carve out a role, but the ceiling does not look as high as it once did.

Progress Grade: C

Round 5, Pick 164: Jaylin Simpson, S

Simpson never made it to the active roster, so there is not much to evaluate.

Fifth-round picks are not guaranteed to make it, but when a player gives the team no contribution, the grade is going to be harsh.

Progress Grade: F

Round 6, Pick 201: Micah Abraham, CB

Same idea as Simpson.

Abraham never made it to the active roster, and the Colts got no contribution from the pick.

Progress Grade: F

Round 7, Pick 234: Jonah Laulu, DL

Laulu falls into the same category as the two above him.

Progress Grade: F

Overall Progress Grade: B-

The 2024 class is still too young for final grades, but the early picture is pretty clear.

Latu, Goncalves and Bortolini carry the class. Latu looks like a very good starting edge rusher, Goncalves has already provided starting-level offensive line play, and Bortolini looks like an excellent fourth-round find at center. Those three players give the class a solid foundation.

Gould and Carlies have provided some useful depth and special teams work, which is fine for Day 3 picks.

The problem is Mitchell and the bottom of the class. Missing that badly on a second-round wide receiver hurts a lot, especially when the player is already gone after two seasons. Simpson, Abraham and Laulu giving the team absolutely nothing also drags the class down a bit.

Because this is still a progress grade, there is room for this class to move up or down.