Indianapolis Colts rookie Daniel Scott tears ACL in OTAs

The Indianapolis Colts placed rookie defensive back Daniel Scott on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the reason is that he tore his ACL during the last play of OTAs, which wrapped up last week.

Scott was selected with the No. 158 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He played his college football at California.

He earned a spot on the All-Pac-12 first team in 2021 and then the All-Pac-12 third team in 2022.

“I think the hallmarks of my game are my versatility, playing both down safety, deep-high safety, playing a little bit of nickel reps. Then, obviously my versatility sometimes on special teams,” Scott said after he was drafted, via Colts.com. “I think my football IQ and instincts are second to none. So, I value that side of the game. It’s not only just physical stuff but also mental.”

Scott was a bit player his first four years with the Golden Bears before emerging in 2021 and 2022 as a big-time player. He made 82 tackles with three interceptions in 2021 before improving to 85 tackles with three picks, four passes defended and two forced fumbles this past season.

His 85 tackles were eighth most in the Pac-12.

He was expected to be able to contribute on special teams in addition to potentially carving out a role in the secondary.

“I think he’s got a chance to play,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said after the NFL Draft. “I mean, this guy is an instinctive, athletic, fast player. We think it’s going to help him. Adds depth to the position. A guy we’ve kind of been following the whole time through the process and liking every step along the way. He adds great depth and I think he’ll compete. I think he’ll be in the mix to compete, to play.”

Indianapolis had 12 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. In addition to Scott, the team selected Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, Kansas State cornerback JuJu Brents, North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs, BYU offensive tackle Blake Freeland, Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore, South Carolina cornerback Darius Rush, Miami tight end Will Mallory, Northwestern running back Evan Hull, Wagner defensive end Titus Leo, Texas A&M cornerback Jaylon Jones and Northern Michigan offensive tackle Jake Witt.

Richardson was the team’s lone first-round pick being taken at No. 4 overall. He was the third quarterback off the board.