clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

NFL Draft 2015: Colts Show Interest in a Couple of Florida State Players

While the focus is understandably on Jameis Winston when it comes to Florida State, the Indianapolis Colts are showing some interest in a couple of other Florida State players, as reports say the Colts will work out defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and cornerback Ronald Darby.

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The focus for much of the draft season has been on the quarterback position and which one will go first overall, and it seems as if the general consensus is that Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston will be heading to Tampa Bay with the first overall pick to be the Buccaneers franchise player.

Florida State held their Pro Day today and all 32 NFL franchises were in attendance, but not all of them were looking specifically at Winston.  For a team like the Indianapolis Colts, they seem to be interested in at least two other Seminoles.

According to Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, the Colts have a pre-draft visit lined up with defensive tackle Eddie Goldman.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>FSU DT Eddie Goldman has pre-draft visits with the Browns, 49ers, Colts, Lions, Panthers and Patriots per sources.</p>&mdash; Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) <a href="https://twitter.com/nfldraftscout/status/582568781873950720">March 30, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Goldman, a 6-4, 320 pound defensive tackle, was a two-year starter at Florida State and played in 36 games total (27 starts), recording 62 tackles (12 for loss) and six sacks.  He was named first-team All-ACC as a junior in 2014 and was also named a first-team All-American, being one of the best defensive linemen in the country.

Goldman isn't the only Florida State player that the Colts are interested in, however.  According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Colts will also have cornerback Ronald Darby in for a visit.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FSU?src=hash">#FSU</a> CB Ronald Darby stood on his 4.38 40, impressed in drills. Has workout/visit with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bucs?src=hash">#Bucs</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panthers?src=hash">#Panthers</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colts?src=hash">#Colts</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jets?src=hash">#Jets</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Titans?src=hash">#Titans</a></p>&mdash; Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/582938458164887552">March 31, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In three years at Florida State, Darby (5-11, 193 pounds) played in 42 games (23 starts) and recorded 79 tackles and 16 passes defensed.  He was the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and a third-team All-ACC in 2014.

Both Goldman and Darby would help address the Colts' defensive issues, though Goldman would fill the more pressing need at defensive tackle, giving the team the best interior defensive lineman they have had under Chuck Pagano.  If Goldman falls to them, the Colts would have to seriously consider taking him, and the team is also looking at a number of other prospects, including Darby.