Colts focus on offensive and defensive lines in two mock drafts

The NFL Draft is still months away but we have more potential first round picks for the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts have a number of needs heading into the 2016 Draft, chief among those are along the offensive line and in pass rush. Today, two new mocks attempt to partially address those needs.

Over at ESPN, Todd McShay has released his Mock Draft 2.0. In it he has the Colts addressing the offensive line by taking left tackle Taylor Decker from Ohio State. Here’s what he had to say about the pick:

"Andrew Luck would love this pick after getting beat up in 2015 before suffering season-ending injuries. The 6-foot-7 Decker has enough range, strength and toughness to hold up in pass protection on the perimeter in the NFL. He’s not overpowering as a run-blocker, but he’s highly efficient and consistent."

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker (68) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

McShay isn’t the first ESPNer to take Decker either. Mel Kiper had the Colts taking Decker as well, even going so far as to say he could be a Week 1 starter at left tackle (proving he didn’t do enough homework because the Colts just signed Anthony Castonzo to a long term deal at the position).

This isn’t a bad pick by any means, but only if Decker can play right tackle (which, no, isn’t the same as playing left tackle). Decker does have experience at both tackle positions, and that could be a big benefit to the Colts if they take him. Realistically the Colts need more help along the interior of the line, specifically at center and right guard. But taking Decker could mean the Colts move Joe Reitz to right guard (a better position for him anyway) as Decker takes over at right tackle.

Pro Football Focus has released Steve Palazzolo’s Mock Draft 3.0. What was particularly interesting is that he had Decker completely falling out of the first round. Palazzolo has the Colts selecting defensive tackle Andrew Billings from Baylor. Here’s what he said about the pick:

"Any help along the defensive front is needed and Billings has posted a two-year grade of +80.2 on 1,511 snaps. He can move around along the defensive line, though his best fit may be at nose tackle where his +47.1 run defense can shine."

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Billings is certainly a first round talent, but he might not be an ideal fit for the Colts. This would be another 4-3 player being forced to switch to a 3-4. At the same time, the Colts invested two draft picks on the line in 2015 and got great production out of both players. They also have a lot of young talent along the line to go with some talented veterans.

The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year is also known as more of a run stopper than pass rusher, and the Colts need to focus more on building a pass rush. That isn’t to say that Billings couldn’t move the pocket and provide pressure up the middle, but his pass rush abilities are still raw.

Neither pick seems like a great fit for the Colts. Protection is certainly an issues, and the Colts could stand to get better against the run but these players don’t address the biggest needs. Pass rush is so crucial to the success of the defense and the Colts need to be able to run and protect up the middle more so than on the edges.

We’ll keep breaking down these mocks as the stream in over the coming months.

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