The Indianapolis Colts currently hold the 3rd overall pick in the 2018 draft. The consensus is that the Colts will select defensive end Bradley Chubb if they remain in the number three spot. But with so many holes in the roster, the Colts should probably look to trade down and acquire more picks.
There are plenty of quarterback-needy teams picking soon after the Colts that could look to move up to number three if Sam Darold or Josh Rosen falls to that spot. Also, if Rosen and Darnold are the first two picks, and one of those teams falls in love with Josh Allen or Baker Mayfield, don’t be surprised to see them pay the price tag to move up and get their guy.
It’s not likely that anyone from outside the top fifteen will move up to the Colts pick, but the Broncos, Jets, Dolphins, Redskins (If they lose Cousins), and Cardinals are all in need of a QB and could search for a potential deal with the Colts to go get their guy. Chris Ballard and the Colts would be hard pressed to reject an opportunity to acquire a great amount of draft capital from any of those teams if the opportunity arises.
Here are a few prospects the Colts could target if they move down to the 5-15 range in the draft:
Minkah Fitzpatrick: Defensive Back, Alabama
Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the best players in the draft. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the Colts pick if they were they to stay in the third spot. But they may still be able to get him if they complete a trade with the Broncos or Jets and move down to fifth or sixth overall.
Fitzpatrick is versatile and can potentially play corner (inside or outside) and safety. He is an incredible athlete who is almost a sure bet to be a great NFL player. Fitzpatrick would solidify the Colts secondary for the future and make it the best position group on the team besides quarterback.
Quenton Nelson: Offensive Guard, Notre Dame
Quenton Nelson is another guy who will almost surely go top ten. I know most people are not fond of taking guards this high in the draft, but Nelson is worth it.
He can change the attitude of an offensive line and help this team finally protect Andrew Luck. Quenton Nelson is the best lineman in the draft, and while he may not be the most exciting pick, he is one that the Colts would not regret.
Roquan Smith: Linebacker, Georgia
The Colts have had terrible inside linebacker play lately, and they are in desperate need of a rock at the position. Roquan Smith can be that guy.
Most football fans are quite familiar with Smith after leading Georgia’s defense to the National Championship Game in Kirby Smart’s second season as coach. Smith is not as athletically gifted as Reuben Foster from last year’s draft, but that’s no slight on Smith.
Smith is a beast of a linebacker that is great against the run and solid against the pass. He has no real flaws in his game and should be an awesome player at the next level. The Colts need a guy like Smith to build their defense around. Expect him to be drafted anywhere in picks five to ten.
Tremaine Edmunds: Linebacker, Virginia Tech
Tremaine Edmunds is another linebacker that could be the face of the Colts’ front seven.
He is a great athlete with good size. Edmunds is good against the run and really strong in coverage.
When I watched his tape against Miami, I saw him bite on a fake which allowed Miami to score a long touchdown. Although he needs to play with more discipline, Edmunds is extremely physically gifted and he seems to offer even more upside than Roquan Smith.
He could be a nice pick for the Colts in the 8-12 range should they trade down to one of those picks.
Tavon Bryan: Defenisve Lineman, Florida
Tavon Bryan’s stock has been rising significantly over the last few weeks.
His burst off the ball and incredible hands shine on tape. He will likely be a three-tech defensive lineman in the NFL and would fit in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. The Colts are expected to make a switch to a 4-3 defense with new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, and Tavon Bryan should fit right in.
He’s a high upside pick that Colts fans should be very happy with if the team moves all the way down to the 12-15 range.
Conclusion
The Colts have so many needs on the roster. With so many quarterback-hungry teams in the top fifteen of this year’s draft, the Colts would be smart to trade down and acquire more picks.
There is a multitude of options available for the Colts whether they stand pat and pick third, or if they trade back in the first round.