2013 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts Trade Up for Defensive Tackle Montori Hughes

The Indianapolis Colts kept active in round five of the 2013 NFL Draft, making a trade with the Cleveland Browns, for the 6th pick in the round, which is 139th overall. To move up in the round, the Colts offered the Browns their 4th round pick in next season’s draft.

The Colts moved up to select defensive tackle Montori Hughes, a Senior from Tennessee-Martin. Hughes is 6ft 4in and 329lbs, and has hands over 10” wide. The defensive tackle was also a former Tennessee Volunteer. In two seasons at UTM,  Hughes had 72 tackles (15 for loss) and six sacks. In two seasons at Tennessee, Hughes had 37 tackles, 5.5 of which were for a loss.

Mike Mayock, NFL Draft analyst for the NFL network had good things to say about Hughes.  “He’s a height-weight speed freak. This kid has more talent than fifth rounders have, it’s just a matter of getting it out.”

The Colts have added a lot of depth on the defensive line already in this offseason, which is an area that has given Indianapolis issues for a long time. Hughes is a raw talent, and may need some coaching-up at the start of his pro career. With time and effort, he could end up being the eventual replacement to veteran defensive tackle Cory Redding, who may only have a few seasons left in him.