As mock drafts continue to pop up all over the internet, it’s time to take a deeper dive into a few of the selections that NFL.com’s “draft experts” project for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Indianapolis Colts have the 15th pick overall in the first round – a position where they can fill an immediate need. Here are 5 possible picks:
Chidobe Awuzie, CB Colorado
NFL Media Analyst Bucky Brooks has the Colts choosing Chidobe Awuzie with their 1st round pick. Awuzie has good size for a corner along with quickness. He is 6’0″ and weighs 202 pounds. Scouts see Awuzie as a good cover corner who uses his body well to adapt to the changing direction of receivers. He does seem to lack “make-up speed”. He could get burnt and not have the ability to recover. There are also concerns that he is a little “hands on” which could lead to flags at the NFL level. The Colts need help in the secondary – especially at corner. Still, I think there are better first round options for the Colts.
Forrest Lamp, OG Western Kentucky
NFL Media Analyst Daniel Jeremiah says that the Colts will take Western Kentucky OG Forrest Lamp with their 1st round pick. One thing to like about Lamp is his ability to play both tackle and guard on the offensive line. He primarily played left tackle at Western Kentucky. He doesn’t have great size at 6’4″ and, as a result, most scouts feel he will end up at guard. He has good athleticism. Again, the Colts have needs along the offensive line. The line improved towards the end of last year and I don’t feel they should spend a first round pick on Lamp.
More from Horseshoe Heroes
- Colts explored hiring former quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky
- When is the NFL Combine 2023? NFL Combine schedule, events, how to stream
- Latest NFL mock draft has Colts trading up to No. 1 for star QB
- Eagles offensive free agents that could follow Shane Steichen to Colts
- Here’s why Colts linebacker Shaq Leonard is going to love Shane Steichen
Garett Bolles, OT Utah
Former NFL General Manager Charley Casserley also feels the Colts will look to add to their offensive line with their 1st round pick. Utah OT Garett Bolles will be a bit of a project for any team that drafts him, but the upside could be tremendous. Bolles only played 1 year at Utah after transferring in from junior college. His body will still fill out as he develops. He has good technique and is very aggressive. He just needs more time to develop. While the Colts can probably afford a project, I would rather not see them go that route. With a franchise quarterback, it’s always “win now”.
Reuben Foster, ILB Alabama
Foster’s name has been a popular one as it relates to the Colts 1st round draft pick. A number of mock drafts have the Colts selecting Foster with pick number 15 and draft analyst Chad Reuter sees it the same way. Foster is a big, strong, ferocious dude. The one thing I always hear about Foster is that he is a “sideline to sideline” player. His college accolades are outstanding: First Team All American, All SEC, Butkus Award winner, Bednarik Award finalist, SEC Championship MVP.
While a player like Foster would be a great fit in the middle of the field for the Colts defense, Foster does have some medical concerns. Those concerns may have even become more pronounced due to his dismissal at the combine for getting into an exchange with a medical worker. Apparently, Foster was tired of waiting in line. Perhaps this is the case, but it did nothing to dispel questions over his medical history. In fact, the exchange probably hurt him more. According to Gordon McGuinness at Pro Football Focus
"“It’s almost definite that he has dropped at least some. When you look at where he was coming into the weekend and, I think, on a pure talent basis and if all positions are created equal, I think he’s the safest pick on the field in the draft. The concerns are, obviously, he’s got some injury stuff going on that has to be worked out, and then going and getting yourself kicked out of the combine really isn’t the best thing to do there. I think teams are going to be pretty disappointed with that.”"
On the plus side for the Indianapolis Colts – Foster may fall to them at 15. Is he worth the risk? I know this – he’s one heck of a player.
Derek Barnett, DE Tennessee
NFL Media Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein has the Colts taking another defensive player – Derek Barnett – with their 1st round pick. With the Colts free agent additions of Margus Hunt, John Simon, Jabaal Sheard and Barkevious Mingo, I question whether the Colts would spend a 1st round pick on a defensive end. Don’t get me wrong, Barnett could be an immediate upgrade over the current Colts cast. He has a good first step and is a big hitter. He could fit very well as an OLB in the Colts 3-4 scheme. I think the Colts would be better served with Reuben Foster at ILB than Derek Barnett at DE.
Next: How Annual League Meeting Could Impact Colts
There is much more Indianapolis Colts draft news and coverage in the upcoming month. This is an exciting time to be an NFL fan – even if it is the “offseason”.