Post Combine mocks have Colts focused on offense

The NFL Scouting Combine is over and it’s time for new mock drafts, and the Indianapolis Colts are set on improving their offense according to the experts.

The Colts are likely to have a number of interesting options with the 18th pick in the draft. The Colts need help along the offensive line or at edge rusher with their first round pick. We’ve talked about how the latter of those two isn’t likely to be addressed on the first day of the draft, and probably won’t be solved next week in free agency either.

That means the Colts will be more focused on keeping their own quarterback upright and healthy next season. They’re about to invest over one hundred million dollars in Andrew Luck, and need to do everything possible to protect that investment.

Two new post combine mock draft have the Colts addressing that need, albeit one in a rather round about way.

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco has released his first mock and he has the Colts taking Kansas State guard Cody Whitehair. Here are his thoughts on the pick:

"Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State: He has great versatility, having played guard, tackle and center at Kansas State. They need help inside in a big way, and he is NFL ready. They have to protect against the push inside better for Andrew Luck."

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Whitehair was a 50-game starter in college, so he isn’t lacking in experience. He mostly played tackle in college, but translates to a guard in the NFL. This presents a bit of technique problem as he’s more accustomed to a two-point stance instead of the three he’d use at guard.

Whitehair has been compared to Zach Martin from the Cowboys, a former first rounder out of Notre Dame. Whitehair generally projects to a late first round, early second round pick but some boards have him as the best guard in the draft.

Whitehair would certainly fit with the Colts as they really need to fix the interior of the line. Taking Whitehair with the 18th pick makes a lot of sense if the Colts are able to get a right tackle in free agency. If that happens though, they could just as easily move Joe Reitz from to tackle to guard to shore up the line. That scenario would leave the Colts likely looking for a center in the draft.

Over at Bleacher/Report, draft expert Matt Miller has the Colts helping out Luck in a roundabout way. He has the Colts taking Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott. Here is his analysis of the pick:

"This is a hard sell for Colts fans, and I know that. But I’m going to try anyway…Ezekiel Elliott in the first round gives Indianapolis a true three-down back to build an offense around alongside Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton and an offensive line that improved down the stretch in 2015.Even if the line needs to be addressed, and it does, there isn’t an offensive guard or center with a value at pick No. 18. That’s a hole to fill in free agency or later in the draft. Round 1 is about finding impact players.There may not be a better impact player on offense than Elliott, who did it all at Ohio State while being a stud inside runner, a talented receiver on swing routes and even a rock-solid lead blocker when Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett were tucking and running."

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) 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 /

Honestly, when the most common comparison for Elliott is Edgerrin James the sale to Colts fans becomes much easier. The fit is perfect, but it ignores the needs of the team. However, the old adage is that you fill needs in free agency and draft the best available player. Elliott would be an outstanding compliment to Frank Gore and finally give the Colts a high usage, every down back for the future.

That said, this would be the second year the Colts use a first rounder on a skill position player they don’t exactly need. Phillip Dorsett last year really didn’t make a lot of sense, but Elliott could contribute right away as the depth chart at running back is far from set.

Miller points out the lack of a value pick at center or guard. For example, he has Whitehair just outside the first round at 33rd overall. This definitely could come down to value over need, which is exactly what happened with the Colts last season.

Elliott would help take the pressure off Luck in a number of ways. One is obviously by running the ball successfully and limiting Luck’s drop backs. The second is his abilities as a receiver on swing or dump off passes, giving Luck a reliable option to get the ball out quicker.

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Both of these latest mocks certainly take interesting approaches to the Luck protection issue. The Colts are sure to have a lot of options in the upcoming draft.

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