5 Hidden Gems the Indianapolis Colts Should Have Noticed at the Combine

While the NFL combine shouldn't be a make-or-break factor in determining potential targets, it is a valuable tool in seeing the full picture of prospects.

The Indianapolis Colts need to nail the 2015 draft due to a talent vacuum with the release of veteran players like LaRon Landry, Xavier Nixon and Ricky Jean Francois, the latter of which was confirmed by the Colts Monday afternoon. Throw in 15 unrestricted free agents and you get a team with a high quality and quantity roster gap.

Today we are looking at potential sleepers that stuck out in their combine performances. Who made a case for their NFL futures and are potential fits in Indianapolis?

S Jaquiski Tartt, Samford

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

One of the Colts' biggest positional needs is safety, an unfortunate situation given the draft's lack of depth.

One safety that may have earned himself a late-round look, however, is Samford's Jaquiski Tartt. Tartt excelled at the combine, running a 4.53 40-yard dash and grabbing the fifth-highest broad jump (10'3") among safeties.

Though he has prototypical strong safety size (6'1", 221 pounds), Tartt has experience as a single-high safety and the speed to cover a lot of ground. He's no slam dunk as a coverage safety, preferring to crash the line of scrimmage and hit people, but his versatility is intriguing for a team that runs interchangeable safeties in Indianapolis.

With that kind of size, speed and explosiveness, Tartt makes for one of the few safeties that could be a contributor late in this year's draft.

Scout's Take

"

Both Landon Collins & Jaquiski Tartt run in the 4.5s at 220-plus. That's impressive. Tartt had a very good week at the Senior Bowl.

— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) February 23, 2015"

DE/OLB Zack Wagenmann, Montana

Michael Albans/Associated Press

He may be from Montana, but Zack Wagenmann produced 17.5 sacks in 2014, and that draws attention.

Testing among the leaders in vertical jump, three-cone drill, short and long shuttle will draw attention as well.

For the Colts, who desperately need pass-rushing talent, adding a player like Wagenmann late in the draft may be a low-risk option for added depth.

Hagenmann isn't the most flexible edge-rusher, limiting his speed-rushing abilities, but he uses leverage and power moves well to disrupt the pocket. Add in his explosive lower half and strong change-of-direction tendencies and you get a player who could be a productive tool in a blitz-happy 3-4 scheme.

Greg Manusky says hello.

Scout's Take

"

Hasn't blown me away, but Montana's Zack Wagenmann is one of the better DEs participating in this group of OLB conversion drills, to me.

— Dion Caputi (@nfldraftupdate) February 22, 2015"

CB Byron Jones, Connecticut

Jessica Hill/Associated Press

One of the most highlighted players of the weekend, there wasn't an event that Byron Jones participated in which he didn't excel:

• Vertical jump: 44.5" (Best among CBs)
• Broad jump: 12'3" (first)
• Three-cone drill: 6.78 seconds (third)
• 20-yard shuttle: 3.94 seconds (third)
• 60-yard shuttle: 10.98 seconds (first)

Those kind of numbers aren't just good, they are eye-popping.

The broad jump in particular was a number that immediately catches attention. Nobody has ever jumped 12 feet at the combine before, and it may even top the world record, per NFL.com's Bryan Fischer.

But it's not just the athleticism that's there for Jones. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah had Jones in his top 50 before the combine, something that may start to become a more common ranking after his incredible combine performance.

With strong instincts, ball skills and lauded leadership skills, Jones projects as a versatile defensive back that would function as excellent depth in Indianapolis. Throw in length (6'1", 32" arm length) and you get a potential long-term starter.

Scout's Take

"

UConn CB Byron Jones is a nice surprise on tape. Big and strong with +AA. Explosive leaper that has a lot of range. pic.twitter.com/qe8IzWDCRU

— Kevin Weidl (@KevinW_ESPN) February 12, 2015"

WR Chris Conley, Georgia

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Georgia receiver Chris Conley didn't garner much attention while in the Bulldog's run-heavy scheme, but the 6'2" receiver was very efficient when targeted, made explosive plays and displayed the basic route-running technique to warrant high-ceiling projections.

His tremendous combine performance reinforced that belief.

Conley posted top marks in the leaps, finished with 18 reps on the bench press and ran his 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.35 seconds.

He already showed an ability to go over the top of defenders in college, and his ability to adjust to poorly-thrown balls created highlight catches. While the Colts already have two developmental receivers in Donte Moncrief and Duron Carter, Conley is more polished than one would think.

Conley isn't a sloppy route-runner by any means, and he flashed separation skills at Georgia. With more practice, those skills could refine quickly. With Reggie Wayne and Hakeem Nicks both entering free agency, the Colts can use all the wide receiver help they can get, and Conley merits a second look at this point.

He's not threatening any of the top or even middle-tier receivers at this point, but he's still intriguing.

Scout's Take

"

Tall receiver lacking blazing speed but showcasing enough acceleration to create separation when challenging upfield. Conley displays a natural feel for the position and has hand strength and body control to make tough, contested catches. Lacked gaudy numbers in run-heavy Georgia offense, but his productivity per catch will certainly be noticed by NFL teams

"

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

RB David Johnson, Northern Iowa

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

In a class loaded with running backs, Northern Iowa's David Johnson has gotten pushed down the list.

After outperforming many of those highly touted prospects at the NFL combine, teams may be re-thinking where they can get value in this year's draft.

Johnson posted top marks in just about every drill when adjusted for running backs:

• 40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds (fourth)
• Bench press: 25 (fourth)
• Vertical jump: 41.5 (second)
• Broad jump: 10'7" (second)
• Three-cone drill: 6.82 seconds (second)

The only back to consistently best Johnson was Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah, and the two share some similarities. Like Abdullah, Johnson projects as a very good third-down back with his receiving skills and elusiveness in the open field.

Neither of the two backs are among the best inside runners, but for a pass-heavy offense like Indianapolis, a receiving back could be deadly. Instead of looking at Abdullah in the second or third round, Johnson may provide similar value at a much lower cost.

Scout's Take

"

Pretty good combine for UNI RB David Johnson; fits best with a creative OC who use his versatility,move'm around & create mismatches vs LBs

— Hawkeye Gamefilm (@hawkeyegamefilm) February 21, 2015"