Source: (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Colts are on the clock for the last time with Rounds 4-7. The Horseshoe finished out the 2023 NFL Draft with nine picks on day three.
4TH ROUND
Blake Freeland – OT, BYU (106th overall)
Freeland’s six-foot-eight, 302-pound frame adds size and quickness to the offensive line, specifically on the inside. The Utah-native impressed at the NFL Combine, beating all other offensive lineman in high and long jumps. Freeland brings in experience from his time at BYU. He started 41 games with the Cougars, being one of only three players to start all 13 games in 2022. Freeland’s resume includes three-time team captain and Principal’s Honor Roll while at Herriman High School. He’s the son of James Freeland, who played linebacker for the Cougars.
“It’s a dream come true. I wasn’t expecting a call from the Colts but I’m freaking pumped about it. Ready to get going, ready to get working. As far as my o-line development, I feel like it’s been well, and I’m planning to continue and develop and get as good as I can. Just become the best offensive lineman I can be.”
Adetomiwa Adebawore – DE, Northwestern (110th overall)
At six-foot-two, 282 pounds, Adebawore recorded the Combine’s fastest 40-yard dash of any player over 280 pounds since 2006 (4.49 seconds). Adebawore’s speed and power give offensive linemen major problems in the interior pass rush. His quickness and strength in the first-step off the line make him that much harder to handle. He’s flexible to play both inside and outside on the defensive line; however, he says he prefers the inside. At the Senior Bowl, he played a significant amount at defensive tackle. Adebawore was projected to go much higher than the fourth round, but he’s just grateful to be drafted by the Colts.
“It was a surprise to me, but I’m just glad I have the opportunity now,” he said to local media Saturday. “I don’t know the reason I fell, but that doesn’t matter right now. All that matters is being an Indianapolis Colt.”
5TH ROUND
Darius Rush – CB, South Carolina (138th overall)
Rush comes to Indianapolis after an impressive showing at the 2023 Senior Bowl showcasing his 4.36 speed and long arms. The SEC cornerback measures at six-foot-two and 198 pounds. Rush’s ball-handling skills are strong. He transitioned from receiver to defensive back after redshirting his freshman year with South Carolina. In his redshirt senior year, he recorded a single-season career-high of 38 tackles after playing in 10 games for the Gamecocks last year.
Daniel Scott – S, California (158th overall)
Scott is one of the oldest players drafted by the Colts this year. The soon-to-be 25-year-old has six years of collegiate experience, standing out the most as a special teams contributor. He has good size and speed. The six-foot-one, 208-pound safety ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He was a captain for the Golden Bears, leading Cal with three interceptions and two forced fumbles during his senior season.
“I think the hallmarks of my game are my versatility, playing both down safety, deep-high safety, playing a little bit of nickel reps. Then, obviously my versatility sometimes on special teams. I think my football IQ and instincts are second to none. So, I value that side of the game. It’s not only just physical stuff but also mental. “
Will Mallory – TE, Miami (162nd overall)
Mallory was the fastest tight end at the NFL Combine, marking a 4.54 speed with a six-foot-five, 239-pound frame. Over the course of six seasons with the Hurricanes, Mallory averaged close to 309 yards per season. Mallory caught a career-high 42 receptions during his last year at Cal. He’s the son of longtime collegiate and NFL coach Mike Mallory, who played linebacker at Michigan, and the grandson of Bill Mallory who coached the Indiana Hoosiers from 1984-1996. His uncle Curt is the current head coach of the Indiana State Sycamores football team.
“It’s a great, great honor to be coming back there. To where it was home to my family, so really excited to just get there and get to work.”
Evan Hull – RB, Northwestern (176th overall)
Hull joins fellow Northwestern teammate Adetomiwa Adebawore among the players drafted by the Colts on day three. After limited action his first two years with the Wildcats, Hull recorded two strong seasons for Northwestern — rushing for 1,003 yards his junior year and 913 yards his senior year. He also tacked on 532 receiving yards in 2022. He leaves Chicago with 22 total touchdowns. At five-foot-10, 209 pounds, Hull has strong downhill speed that can add to the Colts’ running back room.
“I feel like as a player, I can fit into any type of scheme, especially one that utilizes the back in a bunch of different ways. So, I’m just really looking forward to using that skillset and applying it to the Colts. That pass-catching ability, that pass protection, running the ball, all three phases.”
6TH ROUND
Titus Leo – ILB, Wagner (211st overall)
Leo became just the fourth player ever drafted from Wagner College, which is located on Staten Island in New York. He’s told reporters and teams alike that he wants to help make Wagner more of a household name as he got ready for his year’s draft. Leo’s listed at six-foot-four and 245 pounds and joins former Wagner teammate and defensive tackle Chris Williams who is currently on the Colts roster.
“I’m expected to develop as an edge rusher really. As they said, I’m just scratching the surface of my potential. The transition – I played strong side linebacker, I played receiver, safety and EDGE. I’ve only played defensive end and the edge rusher for only 22 games – just two seasons. So, I’m still really a rookie at this position and just developing into it.”
7TH ROUND
Jaylon Jones – CB, Texas A&M (221st overall)
Jones’ six-foot-two, 200-pound size makes him big enough to win one-on-one situations with some of the biggest receivers in the NFL. He’s a bit slower, recording a 4.57 40 time at the NFL Combine, but his burst speed is solid. Jones missed two games for the Aggies in 2022 due to a head injury but still finished with 33 tackles and two pass breakups his senior season.
“I believed. God was going to believe in me and I was going to take any organization. I just thank Indianapolis as an organization to believe in me because you have to believe all the chips in yourself man. I really do appreciate them man, and I wasn’t really stressed about the waiting game. You’ve just got to believe in yourself and you can make anything come true.”
Jake Witt – OL, Northern Michigan (236th overall)
Witt started in all 22 games during his two seasons with the Wildcats. After nine games at tight end, the six-foot-seven, 302-pound former basketball player switched over to offensive tackle – after sustaining injuries against Ferris State in 2021. Witt jumped on the scene after participating in Central Michigan’s Pro Day. His 9.80 out of 10 Relative Athletic Score is 27th highest among offensive tackles since 1987. Witt becomes the first Wildcat drafted since the Buffalo Bills picked Mark Maddox in 1991.
“It’s just been great as the process has unfolded, the Colts have continued to be there as a team that was backing me and wanting me and part of that program the entire time. Just super excited to be in Indianapolis and be with a program that has shown that love and support for me since the start.”
