We are just about one week away from the NFL draft, and the Colts will look to repeat their historic form of last years draft that saw two all pros drafted for the first time since 1965. Here we will look into how the draft could go (but won’t). As always, mocks are a fun exercise to help us learn more about possible options about the players, so without further rambling, here we go:

Round 1

Jeffery Simmons DL Mississippi State

Let’s get this party started, the Colts begin their 2019 draft with a bang by drafting controversial defender Jeffery Simmons. Simmons is an undeniable talent, a force to be reckoned with on the interior with his explosion, flexibility, and power. Simmons uses a variety of pass rush moves with his natural athletic ability that allows him to be a dangerous pass rusher in college. These traits should translate to the next level. He is still raw and will need to improve some of his decision making and footwork, but he could fit great as the future three techs along the DL.

Now, why is such a talented player falling to the Colts? First off, he tore his ACL in February which puts his timeline to see game action till almost November or early December. This would mean he wouldn’t make an impact for a championship contender until possibly week 13. Second, Simmons had an assault incident in 2016, which stemmed from repeatedly punching a woman who was fighting his sister. The latter incident has now been around for three years. I expect Ballard and his crew to do their homework on Simmons, and this gap in time will allow them to possibly become comfortable with Simmons at 26.

Round 2

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson S Florida

The Colts continue to build their defense with versatile defender Johnson. The Florida product is a game changer on the backend, in the slot, and in the box. It’s that versatility that will allow him to shine in the Colts defense. Johnson can lay the wood and has the ability to get downhill and wrap up the ball carrier. CGJ also has the ability to cover bigger slot receivers and tight ends these two traits alone will allow him to stay on the field for all three downs early in his career.

Indy has Malik hooker as one of the two deep safeties in the Tampa 2, and Gaethers was his usual running mate. However, Eberflus showed he liked to run three safeties often in 2019. CGJ teamed up with Hookers and Geathers could be a deadly combo on the back end. The former Gator could move anywhere around the defense as well, even over the top with Hooker. A high energy high-intensity defender, the vocal defender will fit nicely into the Colts locker room as well as on the field.

Terry McLaurin WR Ohio State

The Colts get another weapon for Andrew Luck, and in doing say creates a highly competitive receiver room. McLaurin’s best trait is he is a huge Marvin Harrison fan…..ok maybe not his best trait, but it doesn’t hurt. A great route runner who can create instant separation at the LOS and at his breaks he creates great windows for his QB, which will earn him Andrew Luck’s trust early in his career. He could end up learning a lot from TY Hilton and improve his route running, even more, becoming a lethal technician for years to come.

Not known as a burner while at Ohio state, McLaurin put on the jets in Indy running a blazing 4.35. This showing proved he can hang with the athletes in NFL secondaries. McLaurin’s hands aren’t bad, but contested catches aren’t a strength of his and he will need to work on his ball skills on the next level. Like CGJ, McLaurin is a great locker room presence and will fit right into the Colts culture.

Round 3

Trysten Hill DL UCF

Ballard is building this team from the inside out, and this continues with Hill in round 3. Trysten is another dangerous pass rusher on the interior, not quite as polished as his new teammate Jeffery Simmons, but is like the Tasmanian devil out on the field. Hill has a crazy high motor and the burst to match it, but like the Looney Toon, it’s not always controlled. The UCF product wins a lot with his quickness and burst but has a lot to work on with his technique to harness that at the next level.

This may be a bit early for Hill, but these type of raw players with great motor and competitiveness will be a great fit for the Colts. His play is infectious to watch, and I fully believe the Colts staff will be able to develop Hill into a mainstay on the line early than some will predict.

Round 4

Sutton Smith EDGE Northern Illinois

An undersized pass rusher who’s known as a tweener, where have Colts heard that one before? No, I don’t think Smith is the next Robert Mathis, but the Colts could find a perfect role for Smith. Another high motor player, Sutton wins using great hand technique and bend. However, he doesn’t seem to have the size, strength, or athleticism to have a true spot on an NFL defense. The Tampa 2 has succeeded with these types of undersized defenders as long as they have speed. I think Eberflus will use Smith as a versatile pass rusher who could even find himself playing LB at times. If Smith can put on some weight and improve his technique, he could become a productive player for the Colts.

Kris Boyd CB Texas

Another defender who may not fit in a lot of NFL defenses, but the unique Tampa 2 could use. Boyd is an excellent run defender as a CB but has struggled mightily in press man coverages against bigger WRs. The Texas product would have to play in a zone scheme to really succeed at the next level. The Tampa 2 is exactly that, Boyd could shine in this scheme that plays to his strengths. He has great ball skills and awareness should make him a great weapon in the secondary for the Colts.

Round 5

Joe Jackson EDGE Miami

Jackson really seems more like a true run side DE in a 4-3, which is fine for the Colts as a backup to Jabaal Sheard. However, looking a bit deeper he apparently gained some weight later in his college career to become that type of player, and it cost some burst. Jackson isn’t an overly technical pass rusher but provides great length and size at the position. Possibly losing some weight could make him more than just a power end, but in round 5, a good run defender is a fine floor for the Colts.

Round 6

Isaiah Prince OT Ohio State

The Colts have one of the best lines in football but could use some depth at tackle. Prince is an athletic tackle who needs a lot of work if he is to become an NFL starter. The Colts have their front five pretty locked down, which gives time for Prince to develop. Prince could learn from one of the bests to do it, Howard Mudd, and could turn into a high-level backup or even a starter down the line.

Round 7

Greg Dortch WR Wake Forest

An electric playmaker, Greg Dortch has gone under the radar playing at Wake Forest. Dortch would instantly become the best returner the Colts have had in a long long long long time. The undersized receiver has great ball skills to go along with pro-level route running and feel from the slot. Dortch could quickly become a shifty slot receiver in the Colts system while making an impact in the return game.

Article by: Maxx Hotton

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