Latest Mock Draft Has Colts Selecting Alabama’s Jonathan Allen

According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, the Indianapolis Colts will select an Alabama defensive star in this year’s upcoming NFL Draft–only this time around, it’s neither teammate Reuben Foster nor Tim Williams.

Instead, the Colts will select Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen with the 15th overall pick.

The 6’3″, 286 pound Allen is highly regarded as one of the best defensive line prospects in this year’s draft class–having been ranked as NFL Draft guru Mike Mayock‘s top ‘top interior defensive lineman’.

Allen is fresh off of a senior season in which he recorded 69 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries in 15 games. Per Pro Football Focus, he also led all collegiate interior defensive lineman with 67 pressures this past season.

As a result of his exceptional play, Allen was awarded the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, as well as became a unanimous All-American and First-Team All-SEC selection in 2016.

Per his NFL.com draft profile:

"NFL Comparison: Fletcher CoxBOTTOM LINE: Outstanding leader and athlete with an ability to rush the passer from the outside or inside. Has produced against the run and pass thanks to his strength, agility, elite hand usage, and plus footwork. He might not be the cleanest fit inside as a full-time tackle for some teams, but his talent should trump any size concerns. Allen is a likely first-round selection with Pro Bowl potential down the road."

However, other draft sources have also offered high praise for the former Crimson Tide star:

While Allen projects to be a 3-4 defensive end, the Colts could use help all over their defense regardless of position.

Right now, the Colts have 3rd-year pro Henry Anderson and veteran Kendall Langford as projected starters–both of whom have lingering concerns with knee injuries respectively.

Each of these defensive lineman were hindered by injuries last season–having had standout seasons just a year prior in 2015. However, there’s definitely some question marks on their health entering 2017.

Otherwise, the Colts have emerging 2nd-year pro Hassan Ridgeway, who showed flashes as a pass rusher late in the season, as well as recently added free agent Margus Hunt for additional depth.

It’s worth noting that the team moved on from veteran starter Art Jones and young rotational defensive lineman Zach Kerr earlier this offseason–meaning there’s some freed up reps along the defensive line.

If Allen projects to be a Fletcher Cox, Michael Bennett, or even Sheldon Richardson, he figures to greatly improve the Colts defensive line–which could really use an upgrade.

By all indications, the former Crimson Tide captain appears to be not only a great leader, but also a special player on the field as well. [The only red flag regarding Allen is that there are concerns over the long-term health of his shoulders.]

While ‘edge rusher’ is more of a pressing need in my opinion, new general manager Chris Ballard has emphasized that he will take the ‘best player available’ with the 15th overall selection regardless of need.

Next: Indianapolis Colts Biggest Offensive Needs As Of Today

It also appears that Allen can offer both interior/edge pass rush, so it doesn’t matter where the Colts get the added pressure–just as long as they’re getting it.

Right now, it appears that Allen could very well be the best prospect on the board when the Colts are on the clock with the 15th overall pick.

Therefore, while ‘edge rusher’ and even cornerback are presumably bigger needs, the Colts could still get a perennial Pro Bowler in Allen–who could fortify their defense for the next decade.

That’s close to a home run in my opinion.