Colts Mock Draft: 5 potential first-round targets for Indianapolis

4. Drake Jackson, DE, USC

Fans in Indianapolis might go crazy if Ballard uses another high draft pick on a pass rusher, but he might not have any other choice.

If you think about it, each one of Tyquan Lewis, Kemoko Turay, and Ben Banogu could be gone in the offseason. There’s still a lot of time left in this season, but neither player has proven they deserve a future with the franchise.

USC’s Drake Jackson is exactly the type of experimental project Ballard likes to get his hands on.

Drake Jackson could give the Colts a premium athlete.

At this point in his career, he’s more of an athlete than a football player. That could turn off some fans, but look at that the rookie season Odafe Oweh has put together for the Ravens. He’s far from the only example, but the same thing was said about Oweh coming out of Penn State last year, and he’s already a star for Baltimore.

Jackson needs to work on sealing the edge against the run, but it’s mouthwatering to think what NFL teams can do with his athleticism. If he slips in the top half of the first round, the Colts would be insane not to call his name.