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Colts Draft Primer: Potential First Round Picks

By Evan Reller

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number third overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number third overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) moves to defend in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) moves to defend in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Inside Linebacker

Jerrell Freeman is gone and the Colts are left with just an aging, one-dimensional D’Qwell Jackson. They really need to find a linebacker with some cover skills in this draft.

Ideal Fit: Darron Lee, Ohio State

One thing the Colts lack on defense is an abundance of speed. That changes if they are able to draft Lee. He was the fastest linebacker at the combine with a blazing 4.47 forty time. Lee is a three down linebacker, which means he could come in and replace Freeman immediately.

Lee is a quick twitch player who reads plays quickly, changes direction even faster, and then comes in for the kill. His take on skills with blockers and tackling could use some refinement though. Lee would be the playmaker

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Plan B: Reggie Ragland, Alabama

If Lee doesn’t fall to 18, and it is a bit doubtful he will, the Colts could make a move on Ragland. Ragland is a thumper at inside linebacker. A bit of a throwback player, but one who will make his presence known and could be a tone setter in the NFL. Think of him as a more dynamic Jackson.

Picking Ragland doesn’t quite fit that “cover linebacker” mold, but he hardly would be a bad player. This actually might be the more sure thing if both players are available at 18 as the Colts seem to be in love with this type of throwback player.

Of course now the Colts won’t take any of these players and we’ll get something completely off the wall, just like last year.

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