Jonah Laulu to Colts in NFL draft: Instant grade, analysis, stats for 234th pick

INDIANAPOLIS — A seventh-round pick is rarely expected to contribute immediately, and Colts seventh-rounder Jonah Laulu faces a long road to playing time at a deep defensive tackle position. Laulu, a freakishly athletic player for his size, fits general manager Chris Ballard's profile

Oklaloma DT Jonah Laulu to Colts, NFL draft grade: Instant reaction

Grade: C

Why: Laulu's a typical seventh-round pick, a developmental player with traits who likely does not immediately factor into the roster projections, although seventh-round Indianapolis picks (like cornerback Jaylon Jones) have made an impact in the starting lineup as rookies before.

The path to playing time will be even more difficult for Laulu. Indianapolis locked up its Pro Bowl-caliber tandem of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart this offseason, signed Raekwon Davis to improve depth, likes the potential of 2023 fourth-round pick Adetomiwa Adebawore and have a pair of players, veteran Taven Bryan and third-year player Eric Johnson, who saw more than 250 snaps last season. Laulu's an incredible athletic specimen, but his value to the immediate roster is negligible.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Grading Colts pick of Jonah Laulu at No. 234 in NFL draft 2024