Indianapolis traded pick No. 206 for Nos. 218 and 229,…
Indianapolis traded pick No. 206 for Nos. 218 and 229, selecting quarterback Sam Ehlinger and receiver Mike Strachan. Ehlinger appeared in eight games and made three starts for the Colts, while Strachan played 23 games and caught six passes for 130 yards. The Colts created two roster chances, but neither player became a sustained starter, leaving the return useful mainly as depth.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 2021 sixth-round pick (No. 218, Sam Ehlinger )
- pick 2021 seventh-round pick (No. 229, Mike Strachan )
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2021 sixth-round pick (No. 206, Landon Young )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On May 1, 2021, New Orleans sent Indianapolis picks No. 218 and No. 229 to acquire No. 206. The Saints drafted Kentucky tackle Landon Young. Indianapolis used No. 218 on Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger and No. 229 on Charleston receiver Mike Strachan. The Colts chose two developmental players; the Saints concentrated the same late-round capital on an offensive lineman.
Indianapolis Colts Return
Ehlinger became a reserve quarterback and made three starts during the turbulent 2022 season. Across his Colts career he appeared in eight games, throwing for 573 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Strachan appeared in 23 games and caught six passes for 130 yards. Both reached the active roster and provided depth, which gives Indianapolis real value, but neither established a durable starting role.
New Orleans Saints Return
Young delivered a steadier team-specific return. From 2021 through 2024 he played 56 games for New Orleans and made 12 starts. He was not a full-time fixture, but swing tackles who can survive spot starts have practical value, especially from the sixth round. His snap count and four-year tenure gave the Saints a dependable depth piece from the selection they targeted.
Value in Hindsight
Indianapolis can reasonably point to having turned one pick into two NFL players. The issue is that the combined impact stayed limited. Young alone logged more sustained service for New Orleans and filled a position where capable reserve play carries meaningful roster value.
Final Verdict
New Orleans earns a B- for moving up and getting four seasons plus 12 starts from Young. Indianapolis receives a C+ for producing two roster players without a lasting starter. The Saints win by a modest margin.