In our second mock draft of the offseason, the Colts stand pat with the number three overall pick and address one of the biggest needs on their roster.
1. Cleveland Browns: Quarterback Sam Darnold
The Browns have passed up quarterbacks with a high draft pick before, but I don’t think they’ll make that mistake again with some new leadership in the front office. Seeing a quarterback taken with the first pick should make Colts fans rejoice as it leaves talent at other positions on the board.
2. New York Giants: Running Back Saquon Barkley
I think selecting a quarterback for the future would be the smartest move for the Giants’ organization right now, but they may be thinking they have one more chance of winning big with Eli Manning. They haven’t had any sort of running game since Tiki Barber retired, and Saquon Barkley could change that right away.
3. Indianapolis Colts: Linebacker Roquan Smith
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If the first two picks fall the way they do in this mock draft, many people would expect the Colts to pull the trigger on defensive end Bradley Chubb. However, I don’t think finding a pass rusher should be a top priority for Chris Ballard this offseason.
If Indianapolis doesn’t re-sign Jon Bostic, and they don’t find one in free agency, the Colts will not have a starting-caliber inside linebacker on their roster.
Roquan Smith was probably the best linebacker in college football last season, and he may be able to come in and lead a defense right away like Reuben Foster did in San Francisco as a rookie. Inside linebacker has been a devalued position in today’s NFL, but all of the league’s top defenses have an elite linebacker and this is Indianapolis’ chance to get one of their own.
Next: 5 Potential Targets if the Colts Trade Down in the NFL Draft