The Indianapolis Colts traded the 48th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft to the Green Bay Packers, gaining the Packers' second round pick and two additional selections. With that second round choice - 57th overall - the Colts selected Clemson safety T.J. Green.
Green was a fast-riser in the draft process and is a former wide receiver turned safety who could potentially play cornerback as well, giving the Colts some versatility with the defensive back. He originally played wide receiver at Clemson but after the 2013 season moved to safety. Over the past two seasons at safety, he played in 26 games and recorded 127 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a quarterback hit, an interception, three passes broken up, three passes defensed, and two forced fumbles. He proved to be a very versatile contributor for Clemson as he started out as a receiver, switched to safety, returned kicks, and provided good kick coverage as well.
It's not a surprise to see the Colts add a safety in the draft, as they were looking at some options in the pre-draft process. Mike Adams is 35 years old and the selection of Green could be seen as the eventual replacement to the two-time Pro Bowler. That would allow Clayton Geathers and Mike Adams to start in 2016 while giving Green the time to continue to develop as a defensive back and fill in where needed, while also contributing on special teams. Then, after the season, the hope could be that Green could take over Adams' spot. That's what I imagine the Colts' thinking was behind taking T.J. Green with this pick.
Here's a complete look at the Colts' picks in the 2016 NFL Draft, updated to include the trade with the Packers:
1st round, 18th overall pick: Ryan Kelly, center, Alabama
2nd round, 57th overall pick (from Packers): T.J. Green, safety, Clemson
3rd round, 82nd overall pick
4th round, 116th overall pick
4th round, 125th overall pick (from Packers)
5th round, 155th overall pick
7th round, 239th overall pick
7th round, 248th overall pick (from Packers)
The team's sixth round pick was traded to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for linebacker Sio Moore last year, leaving them with six picks in the draft (currently, barring a trade). Additionally, here's an update on the Colts' areas of need (in no particular order):
Pass rush
Offensive line (The Colts could still use offensive line help, but for the purposes of this list we're crossing it off since hte Colts did address the position already in the draft)
Running back
Inside linebacker
Defensive back (safety and/or cornerback)