football

Draft experts grade Colts' CJ Allen, AJ Haulcy picks on Day 2

โ€ขYahoo Sports

NFL draft experts handed out grades for the Colts' Day 2 selections.

With their Day 2 selections, the Indianapolis Colts selected linebacker CJ Allen in the second round and safety AJ Haulcy in the third round. GM Chris Ballard also accumulated some additional draft capital by initially trading down from pick 47. Allen can come in and start right away at the linebacker position for the Colts -- a position that was a major need coming into the draft.

At safety, Ballard has been quite active with additions this offseason, but uncertainty around whether any of those players can provide a steady presence next to Cam Bynum remained. Haulcy will have the opportunity to earn snaps and could fill a Nick Cross-like role. So what grades did the draft experts give the Colts for these selections?

From a value standpoint, the Colts hit these picks out of the park, with Allen the 35th-rated player overall on the consensus big board , while Haulcy was 56th. Draft experts grade Colts' CJ Allen pick USA Today: B "Allen had been touted as a potential first-rounder, but this feels like a more reasonable range for him. His instincts and run defense will come in handy right away for Indianapolis, which was due for a refresh at the second level.

" Yahoo! Sports: A- "Allen was one of Georgiaโ€™s most important players over the past few seasons and falls this far only due to questions about athleticism and length. Still, heโ€™s a capable athlete and a strong tackler in the box who should emerge as a leader.