Fresh off the news that Xavier Rhodes is coming to town, another report suggests this cornerback could be coming too.
According to Justin Melo of TheDraftWire, the Colts are among five teams that have met or will meet with LSU’s Kristian Fulton.
Here’s a list of teams #LSU CB Kristian Fulton has, or will meet w/ via FaceTime: #Bears, #Cowboys, #Titans, #Colts & #Broncos.
COVID-19 prevented him from making any physical visits.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 31, 2020
Fulton is 6-foot-0, 197 pounds, and earned 15 starts for the National Champion LSU’s defense.
He is considered one of the best cornerback prospects in the draft.
The Colts do not pick until No. 34, but it appears that Fulton could potentially fall to the team.
Who Is Kristian Fulton?
Fulton’s career got off to a rocky start.
In 2016, Fulton played just two games.
In 2017, he was suspended for all of 2017 for violating a drug test for performance-enhancing drugs.
As a junior, he appeared in just seven games and finished with 16 tackles and six passes defended.
This past season, Fulton was a second-team All-SEC selection with 38 tackles, 14 passes defended, and an interception.
Kristian Fulton vs Tee Higgins, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III (@PFF_College)
11 targets
3 catches
39 yards
0 TDs
3 pass breakupsFulton is easily a top 15 pick. pic.twitter.com/sofpodBZt1
— Anthony Treash (@PFF_Anthony) March 30, 2020
Draft Profile
At the NFL Combine, Fulton ran a 4.46-second, 40-yard dash.
His vertical jump was 35.5 inches, while his broad jump measured at 123.0 inches.
Fulton’s SPARQ rating, which is a grade that measures overall athleticism, was in the 69th percentile, which is 9th best among members in his draft class at his position.
#Bears meeting defense first as they are reportedly set to talk with LSU’s CB Kristian Fulton. The senior recorded 28 total tackles, 1.0 TFL, 1 INT, and 14 pass deflections last year. #ChicagoBears #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/xxikB7CbpS
— Bears Film Room (@BearsFilm) April 1, 2020
When evaluated, the Draft Network gave this synopsis:
- Ability to play in man and zone coverage
- Praised for his instincts
- Donned a strong, physical, and competitive corner
- However, he has only proved himself in one season
- Once was considered a disciplinary problem
Why Draft Fulton Now?
Simply put, the Colts do not have a long-term successor at the position.
2019 Pro Bowler Xavier Rhodes is signed to a one-year deal.
To a lesser extent, T.J. Carrie is not moving any heads.
The team is likely wanting to draft and develop a long-term option to pair alongside second-year cornerback Rock-Ya Sin, especially if Rhodes were to struggle.
If drafted, Fulton could be in line for reps as a rookie and a fast transition towards playing in the league.
Kristian Fulton vs. Henry Ruggs was must-watch TV. Both players are so good at the LOS.
Ruggs is so absurd; Fulton can match and mirror with the best of ’em. pic.twitter.com/1z6WpTTuw3
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) December 20, 2019
Final Thoughts
Fulton could be off the board in the first round because that is how high he is seen by some teams.
However, if there is a chance to nab him with the No. 44 overall pick, this would be a great selection.
At No. 34, the Colts could take him too, but their first draft pick should address an immediate need.
The Colts have options.
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