Colts Draft Primer: Potential First Round Picks

2 of 4

Nov 7, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) works against Kentucky Wildcats offensive tackle Jordan Swindle (70) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Kentucky 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Pass Rush

In the 3-4 defensive scheme, most of the pass rush comes from the outside linebacker (or EDGE, as you’ll see on some draft profiles). The Colts have relied on heroics from Robert Mathis for three of the past four years at this position, but he’s 35 and has lost some explosiveness after an Achilles injury. Trent Cole hasn’t panned out the way the team hoped and he’s also 33. Erik Walden, 30, isn’t a great pass rusher and isn’t asked to be, he’s more there for run support and coverage.

The Colts have just four outside linebackers on the roster right now too. The issue with this draft is that there are only a handful of players who might develop into a pass rushing threat.

Ideal Player: Leonard Floyd, Georgia

Floyd might make the “All-Skinny Team” but he’s shown an ability to put on mass since his season ended. But what Floyd doesn’t have in size (at least right now) he more than makes up for with speed, and posted the fifth best 40 time among linebackers. Floyd probably has the highest ceiling among players with pass rush abilities.

However, there is a very good chance he won’t be available by the time the Colts pick at 18. There is going to be a run on pass rushers, and since this draft is light on them they’ll go early. Everyone wants to find the next Von Miller, and while Floyd probably isn’t that good he isn’t a talent you want to miss out on.

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) is brought down by Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Plan B: Shaq Lawson, Clemson

The problem with Lawson is converting him to an outside linebacker. He didn’t drop into coverage often, but he certainly has the athleticism and speed to do so. Lawson will start out as a talented player against the run (had 25.5 tackles for a loss in his first season as a starter) as he develops his consistency as a pass rusher. He is a bit more of a project, but with the Colts being thin at OLB he’d get a good number of snaps this year.

There has also been some talk about Noah Spence, but most Colts writers have ruled him out due to his off the field issues. While he did have his issues, it has been a long time since his last incident. Considering how often he was drug tested while at Eastern Kentucky, it seems likely that those issues are behind him. There are plenty of reports that have put those fears to bed, and if true, he’d definitely be worth a first round pick at 18.

Next: Offensive Line

Home/Colts Draft