Colts: 3 linebackers Indy should target in 2021 NFL Draft
By Jerry Trotta
1. Baron Browning, Ohio State
Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning would be a perfect fit for the Colts.
In the simplest of terms, Baron Browning is the exact kind of linebacker prospect that Ballard has tended to fall head over heels four during his general manager stint. At 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, to go with 33-inch arms (!), the Ohio State product is one of the best overall athletes in this year’s defensive class.
Across four years in Columbus, the young linebacker racked up 109 tackles (19 for loss), seven sacks, and two passes defended and forced fumbles apiece. You might expect more production from a player who appeared in 32 games, but that can be attributed to the Buckeyes’ puzzling tendency to heavily rotate their linebacking corps.
The bottom line is that Browning has the requisite versatility to dominate against the run and when dropping back in coverage, which really separates him from the other LBs in this class.
As long as Ballard and the Colts are fine with taking a linebacker earlier than they would like (they already have Leonard and Okereke lined up as starters for next season) they shouldn’t even think twice about nabbing Browning in the second round. If they wait any longer, he’ll be long gone.
The Colts’ defense made massive strides in 2020, and adding Browning’s raw athleticism to the mix would make them an even more fearsome unit. Throw in the fact that he’d develop under Leonard’s tutelage and fans will be salivating at the thought of Indy drafting the former Buckeye.
