Indianapolis moved up four spots for offensive lineman Ben…
Indianapolis moved up four spots for offensive lineman Ben Ijalana, sending Washington picks No. 53 and No. 152. Injuries prevented Ijalana from becoming a meaningful Colts contributor. Washington repeatedly recycled both acquired choices, turning them into portions of a broader 2011 draft-day chain that produced Leonard Hankerson, DeJon Gomes, Maurice Hurt, Roy Helu and Aldrick Robinson. The volume of usable downstream value clearly exceeded Indianapolis' return.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 2011 2nd round pick (49th overall, Ben Ijalana )
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 2011 2nd round pick (53rd overall subsequently traded to Chicago)
- pick 2011 5th round pick (152nd overall subsequently traded to Houston)
Trade Analysis
Why Indianapolis Moved Up
The Colts climbed from No. 53 to No. 49 in the 2011 second round to select Villanova offensive lineman Ben Ijalana. Indianapolis also surrendered fifth-round pick No. 152. Ijalana was viewed as a versatile offensive lineman with starting potential, but repeated injuries prevented the move from producing the stability the Colts wanted.
What Happened to Ijalana
Ijalana's Indianapolis tenure was defined by limited availability. He appeared only sparingly for the Colts before the club eventually moved on. Although he later extended his NFL career elsewhere, Indianapolis did not receive enough playing time or production from its second-round investment to justify moving up and adding another pick to the price.
How Washington Expanded the Return
Washington treated the acquired selections as trade currency. It moved No. 53 to Chicago for additional choices, then continued trading through the draft. The chain helped generate picks used on Leonard Hankerson, DeJon Gomes and Maurice Hurt. Washington also combined later capital, including the direct No. 152 selection, in a Houston trade that produced picks used on Roy Helu and Aldrick Robinson. The value was spread across several transactions, so no single player should be credited solely to the Indianapolis deal, but the acquired capital clearly fueled a productive draft tree.
The Long-Term Legacy
This was the kind of move-down strategy that created multiple chances from one trade. Washington turned a small drop in the second round into repeated flexibility and several useful players, while Indianapolis concentrated value on one player who could not stay healthy.
Final Verdict
Washington Commanders Win. The Commanders earn a B+ for the depth and flexibility created by the trade chain. Indianapolis receives a D because Ijalana's injury-shortened Colts contribution did not justify the premium paid to move up.