With the draft quickly approaching, our managing editor, Ben Pfeifer details his first Colts’ seven round mock. Who will Chris Ballard select this offseason?
(This draft does not include trades)
Round One, Pick Three: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, NC State
This pick could easily go one of a few ways, but I believe Chubb is the best way at this moment in time. He is a pure pass rush specialist who brings an ultra-tough competitor and an elite motor to the Colts’ defense. He slots in beautifully as a defensive end in the Colts’ 4-3 defensive scheme. Although John Simon and Jabaal Sheard had excellent seasons, neither of them are pure rushers. Chubb provides a terror to opposing quarterbacks that the Colts have lacked since the likes of Freeney and Mathis.
Round Two, Pick 36: Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
Hernandez is a player that the Colts may have to trade up a bit to acquire, but if they do, or if he falls to the early second, he will be well worth it. Assuming Jack Mewhort is healthy, the Colts still have a glaring hole at the other guard spot. Hernandez is a mauler who moves well and is very aggressive. Despite his lack of ideal size, Hernandez has a chance to be a top run blocking guard in the NFL, and a serviceable pass blocking one.
Round Three, Pick 67: Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
Due to the plethora of running back talent in this year’s NFL draft, the Colts wait until the third round to snag their guy. Penny is a powerful back who runs with purpose and has quick feet. His powerful, grit and grind running style perfectly compliments Marlon Mack’s shifty, elusive style. Like the Eagles, the Colts may take a running back by committee approach, and Penny and Mack will be a great tandem to build around and develop.
Round Four, Pick 100: Josey Jewell, LB, Iowa
The Colts find great value in the fourth with Jewell at a major position of need. He will slide down draft boards due to his lack of great athleticism and size, but his instincts, toughness, and motor make up for his lack of physical tools. Jewell could potentially step in and start day one for the Colts, something they cannot afford to pass on at this stage in the draft.
Round Five, Pick 131: DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State
The Senior Bowl standout provides a big target in the slot, who runs crisp routes. He does not seem to possess great speed, but that could change at the combine. Hamilton will be a good fit in the Colts’ up-tempo style of offense. With T.Y. Hilton as the Colts’ only surefire weapon, picking up Hamilton here provides competition in camp and a player with good upside.
Round Six, Pick 164: D’Montre Wade, CB, Murray State
Wade is a small school corner with great physical traits and ball skills. The 6’1, 200-pound corner has the height-weight-speed combo that Chris Ballard loves. His lack of college competition and overall polish is concerning, but his upside makes him worth a shot at this point in the draft. Ballard hit a home run with a late round corner last year in Nate Hairston; let’s see if he can do it again this year.
Round Seven, Pick 195: Jester Weah, WR, Pitt
Weah is a big, 6’3, 210-pound vertical threat with excellent speed and jump ball ability. He struggles to separate and does not run good routes. Weah will be another body in camp who very well could make the roster due to the Colts’ lack of wide receivers. If Donte Moncrief does not resign, Weah could have a decent role in the offense this season.
Ben Pfeifer is the Managing Editor of the Colts for Full Press Coverage, the AFC South Division Editor, and head NBA editor. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Ben Pfeifer on Twitter @Ben_Pfeifer_ and @FPC_Colts.
