Mel Kiper has Colts taking Ohio State tackle in first mock draft

The Indianapolis Colts have the 18th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and needs on both sides of the ball.

With the 18th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select…Taylor Decker, offensive tackle, Ohio State. At least according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper, who released his first mock draft today.

The Colts definitely need to fix the offensive line and this move would be a step in that direction. Here’s what Kiper had to say about Decker and the Colts:

"Suffice to say the Colts should come out of this draft with at least one offensive lineman capable of stepping in early. Decker has a ton of experience — he could have entered the draft last year and landed late in Round 1 — and could be your Week 1 starter at left tackle in Indy. Conklin is another option if Decker went off the board first."

Decker was 23rd on Kiper’s Big Board, here’s what he he had to say about him there:

"Decker could have been in the mix to go in Round 1 last year but came back to school and added some more good tape to his résumé. Defenders were able to use his length against him in the past, but I think he’s become better with his hands, and he’s a really good run-blocker. Does he stay on the left side? We’ll see, but he’s a solid tackle."

More from Horseshoe Heroes

I’m not usually one to criticize someone who is a draft expert or has a long history of success with that job, but Kiper’s own comments doom this pick from the start. He clearly didn’t do any homework when making this pick, forgetting that the Colts are set at left tackle with Anthony Castonzo (who, by the way, is a top 10 tackle and has a long term contract with the team).

Maybe Kiper meant to say right tackle, but considering he was a left tackle in college I doubt it. Regardless, the Colts don’t need tackles. They need interior line help either at center or right guard.

If we really want to rank the team needs, I would put pass rush over pass protection. We can debate this, but the least sacked and hit quarterbacks are those that get the ball out of the pocket quickly. In other words, Andrew Luck is the most important person in his own protection. What isn’t up for debate is the fact that the Colts pass rushers are getting older and they desperately need a dominant player to get to opposing QBs.

We’ll start taking a deeper look at the draft and the Colts needs in the coming weeks as draft profiles are put together and the NFL holds the Scouting Combine. Make sure to check back regularly for Colts draft news and updates.

Home/Colts Draft