Subscribe
Follow Us
The Indianapolis Colts don't have a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft following their trade of quarterback Carson Wentz with the Washington Commanders. However, the Colts still possess a pick in the second round, as well as a third, fourth, two fifths, a sixth and seventh round picks. That means that the Colts will miss out on some of the high-end talent in the draft, though they will also stand to benefit from the depth of the 2022 NFL Draft class, which possesses starting-caliber players in the middle rounds as well.
The Colts have a variety of needs, from pass catchers to the pass rush. Indianapolis' receiving corps is led by rising star Michael Pittman Jr., who will step into the role of no. 1 wide receiver with T.Y. Hilton's future uncertain as a free agent. It seems likely that the Colts will spend a draft pick on a receiver at some point. However, there's a more pressing need on the roster: tight end.
Indianapolis has a solid run-blocking tight end in Mo-Alie Cox, who signed a contract extension with the franchise this offseason. However, the Colts lack a true receiving threat at the position- and there just so happen to be a few options in this year's draft. Indianapolis should draft SMU's Grant Calcaterra in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Calcaterra is the perfect fit for the Colts. Here's why.
3 Reasons Grant Calcaterra Is Perfect NFL Draft Fit For Colts
3. Calcaterra is a skilled route runner
Calcaterra ran a 4.62 40-yard dash, one of the speedier times among this year's tight end class. The SMU product is very athletic and can change directions rather quickly for someone who is 6-foot 3 and 242 pounds. Calcaterra suddenly retired after the 2019 season due to concussions but returned this past season and looked like he had never left, totaling 465 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games played. The NFL Draft has a history of producing elite tight ends in the middle rounds, such as Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews and George Kittle. No one is saying Calcaterra will reach that level, though his natural skills suggest he could quickly make an impact in today's pass-happy NFL.
Article Continues Below
2. The Colts are familiar with SMU tight ends
The Colts are familiar with SMU and how they utilize tight ends in the offense, having drafted former Mustang Kylen Granson last year. To no one's surprise, Calcaterra told reporters that the Colts have been one of the teams who have contacted him the most. Indianapolis is likely drawn to Calcaterra's potential, though it doesn't hurt that there's already a connection to SMU on the roster. Medical history aside, the Colts can feel confident that they know what they're getting in the SMU product.
*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
1. Calcaterra is a perfect fit alongside Mo Alie-Cox
Make no mistake, Mo Alie-Cox is going to have an important role in the offense after inking a three-year, $18 million deal. However, Cox is less accomplished as a receiver and is best utilized as a run-blocker, an area where he earned a 71.4 Pro Football Focus grade, which ranked sixth among tight ends in the NFL last season. For a run-heavy team like the Colts, Cox is clearly going to play a pivotal role. However, Calcaterra, who is almost like a wide receiver in a tight end's body, is the opposite. His route-running ability, hands, and vertical speed would complement Cox perfectly. The Colts would have one of the more balanced tight end rooms in the NFL- and quarterback Matt Ryan would have another downfield target.
