Report: Colts Have Expressed Interest in Vanderbilt QB Riley Neal Ahead of the NFL Draft

According to The Draft Wire’s Justin Melo, the Indianapolis Colts are among the teams that have shown interest in Vanderbilt quarterback Riley Neal ahead of the NFL Draft:

The 6’6”, 225 pound senior quarterback completed 149 of 258 throws (57.8%) for 1,585 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions during 11 games (10 starts) for the Commodores this past season.

The Muncie, Indiana, native earned 2014 Associated Press All-State honors as a high schooler, and the former Ball State grad transfer was a 2x All-MAC academic for the Cardinals—as a three-year starter.

Neal has the prototypical size for an NFL quarterback, has shown zip on throws, and a great understanding of protection schemes—with the ability to move a little bit in the pocket. However, he needs to work on his overall decision-making, touch on shorter throws, and general reluctance to push the ball downfield—despite having the necessary velocity.

With 38 year old quarterback Philip Rivers in the fold—and primary backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett too expensive to remain in his current role long-term, the Colts could take a shot on a developmental quarterback in the later rounds of the draft.

As a local Indiana product, Neal has some physical tools to work with at the next level.

Although he shouldn’t be projected to be any NFL team’s future franchise signal caller at this point in time, he’s a quarterback project that is worth monitoring late in Day 3 or as a priority undrafted free agent for the Colts.