Prospects in the College Football Playoff that the Colts should have their eyes on

Offensive draft prospects in the CFP for Colts

Paris Johnson Jr. is a tackle for Ohio State and is widely seen as one of the best tackles in the draft. Johnson is next in line of a long successful history of the Buckeyes’ ability to mold pro-ready linemen. The Colts struggled to protect quarterback Matt Ryan and have currently given up the second-most sacks in the NFL. This is despite having the most expensive contracts in the league. For being the highest-paid offensive line in football, perhaps it is time for a change of guard with some of the vets.

Drafting Johnson to play left tackle would allow the Colts to slide Bernhard Raimann to a guard position which he may be more suited for in the NFL. If the Colts have a top-five pick and opt to go tackle, it’s unlikely they’ll choose Johnson over Peter Skoronski, so drafting Johnson is likely only realistic if they end up trading down for more picks.

Quentin Johnston is considered by many to be the best wide receiver in this year’s draft. The only way that the Colts would take Johnston is if they trade back and he’s still there with their next pick. The Colts will roll into the season with strong Michael Pittman Jr. and emerging Alec Pierce. Assuming Parris Campbell walks in free agency, Johnston would be a terrific replacement and would pair excellently across from Pittman.

In order for this to work, the Colts would have to address their offensive line first to give Matt Ryan time in the pocket. But it’s hard not to dream about a strong offensive line with a veteran quarterback who gets to choose between throwing to Pittman, Pierce, or Johnston. If the Colts can shore up their other needs on offense, perhaps Johnston’s presence could send this offense over the top.

Olusegun Oluwatimi is the only prospect in Bleacher Report’s top 100 that would potentially provide value to this Indianapolis team. Where Oluwatimi provides value is at right guard, where the Colts have started multiple players. Indianapolis touts a lot of talent on the line. Even though Raimann may be a better fit at the guard position, he’s getting better at the left tackle spot. If he remains there with five-time pro bowler Quenton Nelson at left guard, Ryan Kelly at center and Braden Smith playing a solid right tackle, inserting Oluwatimi at right guard could possibly bring this offensive line back to the prominence it used to hold.

Admittedly, Oluwatimi is not likely going in the first round. He certainly won’t be going as high as the Colts’ first pick. However, Oluwatimi could be a sneaky option for a team to trade back into the first round to get him with a fifth-year option. Oluwatimi is possibly the prospect on this list with the most to prove on this list in the playoff. If he ends up performing well in a potential matchup with Georgia’s front defense, his draft stock could skyrocket.