The Indianapolis Colts entered the second round of the draft with flexibility, patience, and a clear long-term plan. Holding two second-round selections, the front office resisted the temptation to chase short-term splash and instead focused on value, projection, and succession planning.
The result was a pairing that quietly set the foundation for the next phase of the roster: Benjamin Perry, a physical strong safety from UCLA, and Isaac Brown, a dynamic running back from Louisville. Neither pick was made with immediate pressure attached — and that may be exactly why both selections could pay dividends down the road.
Pick One: Benjamin Perry, SS — UCLA
Benjamin Perry arrives in Indianapolis as the type of defensive back coaches love to develop. A multi-year contributor at UCLA, Perry built his reputation on physicality, football IQ, and versatility in the secondary.
College Career Overview
At UCLA, Perry was asked to do a little bit of everything. He lined up in the box, rotated down as a run defender, and handled coverage responsibilities against tight ends and slot receivers. His role demanded discipline and toughness, and he consistently answered the call.
Perry became known for his willingness to play downhill and his ability to read blocking schemes quickly — traits that made him a reliable presence against the run. While he isn’t a pure center-field safety, he thrives closer to the line of scrimmage where instincts and physicality matter most.
Player Profile and Strengths
Perry’s game is built around:
- Strong tackling fundamentals
- Physicality in the run game
- High football IQ and communication
- Positional versatility
He takes good angles, rarely overcommits, and understands leverage in coverage. Perry isn’t flashy, but he’s efficient — a trait that often translates well to the next level.
Areas for Growth
The biggest question with Perry centers on top-end speed. He’s not a burner, and he’ll need to continue refining his coverage technique against quicker slot receivers. Improving his change of direction and route anticipation will be key to maximizing his ceiling.
NFL Player Comparison
Perry profiles similarly to box-oriented strong safeties who thrive on instincts and toughness rather than raw speed — the type of defender who becomes a reliable starter after a year or two of development.
Fit in Indianapolis
With high-quality veterans already in the secondary, Perry won’t be rushed into action. Instead, he’ll have the opportunity to learn the nuances of the position, contribute on special teams, and prepare to eventually take over a starting role. It’s an ideal environment for a safety whose game is built on understanding and positioning.
Pick Two: Isaac Brown, RB — Louisville
If Benjamin Perry represents patience, Isaac Brown represents value.
Brown entered the draft cycle widely viewed as a top-30 overall prospect, making his availability at the end of the second round a surprise. For the Colts, it was an easy call — a chance to secure a potential lead back without paying first-round capital.
College Career Overview
At Louisville, Brown showcased a complete running back skill set. He ran with vision and patience between the tackles, showed burst through creases, and consistently finished runs with authority. More than just a runner, Brown also proved capable as a pass catcher and protector, making him a true three-down threat.
His production wasn’t built on gimmicks or wide-open lanes. Brown thrived in both structured run schemes and broken-play situations, showing balance and body control through contact.
Player Profile and Strengths
Brown’s strengths include:
- Excellent vision and decision-making
- Strong contact balance
- Reliable hands out of the backfield
- Pass protection awareness
He runs with purpose, rarely wastes movement, and consistently falls forward. Coaches value backs who can be trusted in all situations — and Brown checks that box.
Why He Slid
Brown’s slide to the end of the second round had less to do with his on-field performance and more to do with positional value and depth at running back in the class. Teams opted to address other needs early, allowing a high-end talent to fall into Indianapolis’ lap.
NFL Player Comparison
Brown profiles similarly to complete, every-down running backs who may not dominate headlines but consistently produce and extend drives. He’s the type of back offensive coordinators trust in critical moments.
Fit in Indianapolis
With veterans ahead of him on the depth chart, Brown won’t be forced into immediate heavy usage. Instead, he’ll be able to refine his craft, adjust to the speed of the game, and prepare for a larger role down the line.
That patience could be the key to unlocking his full potential.
The Bigger Picture: Smart Drafting, Long-Term Vision
What ties these two picks together isn’t position — it’s philosophy.
The Colts didn’t draft Benjamin Perry and Isaac Brown to fix immediate problems. They drafted them to prevent future ones. Both players come from strong programs, have proven production, and possess traits that translate well to the professional level.
Most importantly, both land in situations where development is prioritized over urgency.
Final Thoughts
The second round is often where good drafts become great ones. It’s where value emerges, where patience is rewarded, and where future starters are quietly found.
With Benjamin Perry and Isaac Brown, the Colts may have done exactly that.
One projects as a physical tone-setter in the secondary. The other as a complete running back who should have been gone much earlier. Both will learn behind veterans. Both will grow into larger roles.
And in a few years, this second round could be remembered as the moment Indianapolis laid the groundwork for its next wave of leaders.
