“The Indianapolis Colts’ selection of South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard with the fourth pick in the second round was one of the draft’s worst moves. They took four second-rounders, so they had plenty of room for error, but this one stands out as a head-scratcher.” Justin Mosqueda, BR.
That was the general take on Chris Ballard’s pick in the second round of the past draft. Leonard was considered somewhat of a raw FCS school prospect, with the potential to develop into a passable starter. Players like that are expected to go in the middle rounds, not in the high second. Leonard, specifically, was considered a third-round pick at best.
Being picked by the Colts was probably one of the best outcomes for Leonard. With the Colts linebacker corps lacking talent for some time now, he’d have the opportunity to make an impact right away. Also, with the transition to a 4-3 defensive scheme, the need for an off-ball linebacker was glaring for Indy.
After a solid training camp and pre-season, Leonard started against the Bengals in Week 1. He posted double-digit tackle numbers and left a solid impression overall in his debut. Leonard’s breakout game came the following week against the Redskins. He racked up 19 total tackles, 1.5 TFL, a sack, and a key forced fumble late in the fourth quarter.
Since then, “The Maniac” has been posting monster game after monster game. He currently leads the entire NFL in tackles, with 88 (12 more than second place). Furthermore, Leonard has seven tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, earning Defensive Rookie of the Month in the process.
The tape tells the same tale as the numbers. Check out his strip on Jordan Reed in a clutch situation against the Redskins.
is this the most fantasy points by a defender without a TD?
RT @Colts: DARIUS LEONARD IS NOT HUMAN.
17 TACKLES
15 SOLOS
1 SACK
1 FORCED FUMBLE😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/0Mz4hL1DKK
— Shontong Balentong (@shontong81) September 16, 2018
What about this clutch forced fumble against the Raiders last week? Leonard executes a perfect tomahawk chop on Oakland RB Doug Martin to force the ball out of his hands.
📽 Le rookie Darius Leonard force le fumble de Doug Martin ! #Colts pic.twitter.com/rwnCt94XiH
— NFL France (@FirstDownFR) October 28, 2018
Matt Eberflus, the Colts new defensive coordinator, has done a great job of putting Leonard in situations for him to get a clear path at the quarterback, as evidenced in his first career sack against Washington
Analysis: The @Colts decision to draft Darius Leonard was a good one. First career sack for 53 🚨 pic.twitter.com/7sEghbicL5
— Taylor Tannebaum (@TaylorTannebaum) September 16, 2018
If he keeps up his torrid pace, he might not only win DROY, but he could also flirt with an All-Pro/Pro-Bowl selection as a rookie. That’s quite impressive for a guy who was “one of the worst picks of the Draft.” For now, Leonard is the main building block of a young, rebuilding Colts defense. Given Ballard’s track record of picking players and Leonard’s development, Indy fans have a lot to be hopeful about.
Twitter: @casiopersources