Colts grab linebacker Darius Leonard early in 2nd

The Indianapolis Colts have selected linebacker Darius Leonard out of South Carolina State in the second round with 36th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Leonard will slot in as an inside backer with the Colts defense, where the team hasn't had many playmakers to work with, but he will have to adjust to a major step up in competition after playing against smaller schools in college.

He was the first of two back-to-back picks by the Colts early in the second round - guard Braden Smith was taken with the next selection.

Darius Leonard Bio

Position: OLB
School: South Carolina State
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-2
Weight: 213 lbs

What the analysts are saying

• "He lacks play strength and there are times you want to see more nasty in his field demeanor, but he has the traits and talent to become a good, three-down linebacker who can play 3-4 inside backer or 4-3 WILL." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
• "Leonard needs to improve his play strength and reaction quickness to handle full-time linebacker responsibilities in the NFL, but he competes with the athletic range and reliable football character that fits today’s game." - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

Athletic testing