Todd McShay’s Inaugural Mock Draft Has Colts Drafting Virginia Tech CB Kendall Fuller

According to ESPN Todd McShay’s 1st 2016 NFL Mock Draft, the Indianapolis Colts will select Virginia Tech cornerback Kendall Fuller in the first round:

"21. Indianapolis ColtsKendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech*Fuller, who tore his ACL against Purdue in Week 3, declared for the draft on Tuesday. If he clears medically, he will probably be a first-round pick. His ability to play outside or in the slot should make him attractive to NFL teams like the Colts that need more CB depth. In his first two seasons at Virginia Tech, Fuller had nine interceptions and 26 pass breakups."

While it’s entirely too early to take any mock draft too seriously, Fuller would no doubt be an intriguing prospect for the Colts come early May. The junior was one of the top cornerback prospects before tearing his ACL this season, having earned preseason All-American honors. Additionally, he was First-Team All-ACC (2014) and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2013) for the Hokies.

Sep 6, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Kendall Fuller (11) against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Ohio State 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

In 3 seasons with Virginia Tech, Fuller played in 29 games, recording 119 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 8 interceptions, and 25 passes defended.

It’s worth noting that Fuller has terrific football bloodlines too, as his brother Kyle Fuller is a starting cornerback for the Chicago Bears, while another brother Corey Fuller plays wide receiver for the Detroit Lions. Not to mention, another brother Vincent Fuller played safety for the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions.

For the Colts, Fuller would be the 1st defensive player taken by the franchise in the NFL Draft’s 1st round since Bjoern Werner in 2013. However, the team would clearly be hoping for a different result this time around.

Fuller would actually fill a need too, as veteran starting cornerback Greg Toler will be a free agent at season’s end and the team could withstand to upgrade the position.

While the team selected D’Joun Smith in the 3rd round of last year’s NFL Draft, the rookie has only played in limited snaps this season–having battled a knee injury and is far from a proven commodity.

Adding Fuller would give the Colts four capable cornerbacks along with Vontae Davis, Darius Butler, and Smith going forward. He clearly appears to be a talented cornerback prospect, and the Colts could simply use more young impact players on that side of the football regardless of position.