Colts: 3 playmakers Indy can draft in first round if they pass on QB

1. Virginia Tech OL Christian Darrisaw

Here’s an easy way for the Colts to fill the void left by Anthony Castonzo.

Ironically enough, NFL Network’s latest mock draft has the Colts selecting Christian Darrisaw with the No. 21 overall pick. Some fans might scoff at the idea of drafting an offensive lineman when they already have one of the best in the league, but Anthony Castonzo’s unexpected retirement this offseason changed everything.

It would also be different if the Colts had other glaring issues to address, but that simply isn’t the case right now, especially if they make a splash at defensive end in free agency. That’s a testament to the job Ballard has done since he took over the GM reins in 2017, and drafting a lineman would be a perfect callback to how he first started transforming the roster four years ago.

Now, why should the Colts take a look at Darrisaw? Well, for starters, he produced the second-highest graded season (95.6) from a Power 5 tackle this past season. At 6-foot-5 and 314 pounds, his body frame will translate perfectly to the NFL, and he also has the requisite nimbleness to hold his own against some of the league’s more agile edge rushers.

Despite facing a bombardment of stout pass rushers in the ACC, Darrisaw didn’t concede a single sack or quarterback hit in 2020, and we truly couldn’t think of a better pick for the Colts in the first round than the Virginia Tech world-beater.

Colts: 3 unexpected quarterbacks Chris Ballard can still bring to Indy

Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts should try to acquire one of these three quarterbacks this offseason, via trade or the draft.