We sit just a week away from the NFL draft and we are all wondering what kind of draft board GM Ryan Grigson and this team have put together. Last year we were all waiting on that big defensive pick to make an impact for us. Instead, we got a wide receiver. This year I have seen an offensive lineman, rush linebacker, and inside linebacker being slotted to the Colts in other “big time” mock drafts. I’m here to present my final mock draft of the off-season. I feel this board that I have put together will have the biggest impact on how the team moves forward in the coming seasons. Andrew Luck’s contract is going to be massive and Grigson has to hit on these picks this year so he has cheaper and younger talent on the team to assure long term success.
Round 1 (Pick 18) – Trade Pick To Kansas City Chiefs
In my last mock I said the Colts should trade back and I will hold to that. The last time though I felt trading with the Steelers would be the best place to go, but after further evaluation that wouldn’t make much sense. The guys the Steelers want will be available at their pick already. However, the Chiefs would be a possible suitor as their needs align more with where our first pick comes in. They need receivers in a bad way. Jeremy Maclin isn’t the greatest receiver and that is really the only viable option they have on the outside. Travis Kelce is a great tight end, but the Chiefs can’t expect Alex Smith to always be looking for him. Now if the Chiefs trade up they could land the best receiver in the draft in Laqoun Treadwell. I could see the Colts getting the 28th Pick this year and the 126th pick in the 4th round and that’s how the rest of my mock will play out.
Round 1 (Pick 28) – Ryan Kelly – Center (Alabama)
I have seen Kelly mocked to the Colts at 18, but it’s better value to nab him on the backside of the first round. Kelly is the best center in the draft and is a great leader. He can start week one without a problem, barring injury of course,
and could be the center that the Colts have been looking for to pair with Luck for the next 8-9 years.
Round 2 (Pick 48) – Kamalei Correa – OLB (Boise State)
Correa has the talent, size, and ability to be a great pass rusher in the league. Letting him split time with Robert Mathis would be a great way to get Correa started in the league and let him learn from one of the best.
Round 3 (Pick 82) – Christian Westerman – OG/C (Arizona State)
Westerman is a diamond in the rough in my opinion. He doesn’t have the big bulky size I like for guards, but he is quick on his feet and is a better blocker when pulling. He has the ability to move people on the inside as well. He could move to center if needed which is always a great thing to have an offensive lineman who can play multiple positions.
Round 4 (Pick 113) – Blake Martinez- ILB (Stanford)
This was my pick in my last mock draft and I’m going with him again. Martinez has the chance to really challenge for playing time this year with Freeman gone. He will have to work on his coverage ability though.
Round 4 (Pick 126 from Kansas City) – Daniel Lasco – RB (California)
I have liked Lasco since the combine. The Colts have met with him so there is interest. I think Lasco is a great talent and could be a great player to add to the running back rotation.
Round 5 (Pick 143) – KeiVarae Russell – CB (Notre Dame)
This is a bit of a stretch and I know it, but if Russell is available in the 5th to the Colts they should jump on it. Russell could play cornerback in the NFL, but I like him more as a free safety which is a position they will
need to address next year when Mike Adams surely hangs up his cleats. Having Russell now will allow him to learn and be a great asset when the team needs him.
Round 7 (Pick 207) – Darius Latham – DL (Indiana)
Latham has character concerns, but getting him this late in the draft means its a high reward-low risk situation. If he continues to act like a pissed off teenager then they cut him and nothing is lost. However, if he finally takes his craft seriously then the Colts could be looking at the steal of the draft. He has the size and ability, but he just has to put it all together and stop making stupid decisions. Plus bringing Latham home should help his drive to succeed.
I would say that’s a pretty successful draft. No big names and nothing flashy, but all seem to have something that can help this team down the road. Tell me what you think. Comment here or hit us up on Twitter.
