David Thornton back to Colts roots Posted May 31, 2012 David Thornton joined the Colts as a fourth-round draft pick in 2002. Thornton was a classic success story at North Carolina. He fashioned a career that saw him go from a freshman walk-on to a senior starting linebacker. Thornton’s final year was so noteworthy that he was voted team MVP on a squad that featured players who were the second and sixth overall choices in the NFL Draft, defensive linemen Julius Peppers and Ryan Sims. (Indianapolis Colts)