The mention of former Colts general manager Ryan Grigson is still something Indy fans fear to hear. After bringing in talents like Andrew Luck and T.Y Hilton in the 2012 NFL Draft. Things were looking up for the young Indianapolis Colts squad.
Unfortunately, Grigson didn’t consider protecting their franchise cornerstone quarterback Andrew Luck.
Now with Chris Ballard at the helm, we have much more consistency in the draft. Highlighted by a ridiculous 2018 draft class including All-Pros Quenton Nelson and second-round steal Darius Leonard. Along with key players such as Nyheim Hines and Braden Smith. However, even the best miss the mark sometimes.
In no order, here are some of the biggest Indianapolis Colts draft disappointments since 2010:
Bjorn Werner (DE, 2013):
According to Pro Football Focus, Bjorn Werner was one of the worst first-round picks since 2006. Even though he had a successful college career, his skills weren’t looked upon by scouts as a first-round talent. So when the Indianapolis Colts drafted him at 24, it left many fans scratching their heads.
During his rookie season, Werner didn’t record a sack until Week 15 again the Houston Texans and ended the season with only 2.5 sacks. In his sophomore season, he showed little improvement, only recording 4 sacks along with 37 tackles. And after another disappointing year collecting 0 sacks, Werner was released by the Colts in 2016.
Over his three seasons, he only combined for 6.5 sacks in 38 games. Not the production you want out of your first-round edge-rusher.
Phillip Dorsett (WR, 2015):
This one hurts the most.
Although Dorsett’s production during his college career at Miami was lackluster. Scouts were impressed by his raw athleticism after running a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. Even then, people were surprised that they took him 29th, considering the amount of depth the Colts had at the position.
In his rookie season, Dorsett disappointingly never started any games, only recording 225 yards and a TD. In his second season, he showed flashes of his potential hauling in 528 yards and 2 TDs. But considering that he had generational talent Andrew Luck throwing to him and prime T.Y taking the attention off of him, the Colts expected more from him.
After failing to impress, Dorsett was traded for future starter Jacoby Brissett in 2017. Since then, Dorsett has failed to find a home to settle in, being bounced around the league.
Malik Hooker (S, 2017):
Being the highest-picked player on this list, it makes you wonder what his career would have been like without injuries. Unfortunately, his injury history started before his career even began as a torn labrum and hernia restricted him from participating in the NFL Combine.
Coming out of Ohio State, his talent was undeniable and had scouts boosting him up the draft board. The Colts ended up picking him 15th overall before guys like Marlon Humphrey and Tre’Davious White.
The injury bug continued to bite Hooker with a groin injury on the first day of training camp causing him to miss most of the offseason. However, even battling through injuries, Hooker recorded 3 interceptions in consecutive games and 22 tackles before suffering a torn ACL and MCL in week 7.
In the following years, injuries continued to plague him with 2020 being his last year with the team after tearing his achilles in week 2 and eventual release.
Paris Campbell (WR, 2018) :
Similar to Malik Hooker, injuries have put major setbacks in Campbell’s promising young career. During a rough rookie season only recording a measly 127 yards, Campbell dealt with a broken hand and a hernia early on and finished his season with a broken foot.
His sophomore season wasn’t better, suffering a PCL and MCL tear, causing him to miss the rest of the season. Fans were excited about his comeback season in 2021 but another injury to his foot in week 6 placed him on IR.
Now heading into the final year of his rookie contract, Campbell has one last chance to be the player the Colts were hoping he would be for them.
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