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

ByEvan Garrison|
Nov 26, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (77) prepares to take the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Michigan Wolverines At Ohio State Buckeyes
Nov 26, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (77) prepares to take the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Michigan Wolverines At Ohio State Buckeyes
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Colts
ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 08: Nolan Smith #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs looks to the sideline in the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium on October 8, 2022 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Defensive draft prospects in the CFP for Colts

Nolan Smith is an edge rusher for a stacked Georgia Bulldogs defense. College statistics need to be taken lightly as they sometimes don’t speak to the talent of a player. Smith’s 14 solo tackles and 3 sacks don’t jump off the page. However, it can be argued that Smith is the fastest and most electric player on the field when on defense, which is the best in the country. With an electrifying skillset and a 6-foot-3 235-pound frame, some are wondering if Smith can jump Will Anderson for the best edge rusher in the SEC.

If Smith has a productive showing in the playoff and shows out at the NFL combine, being the first edge rusher off the board is a real possibility. If San Francisco’s defense this year has taught us anything, there’s no such thing as too many edge rushers. With Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo coming alone on their own, Smith would be a terrific addition to an already emerging defensive front. As it stands, the Colts rank sixth in the NFL in sacks. Adding Smith could make them even better and could overwhelm offenses.

Jalen Carter is unquestionably the biggest difference-maker for the talented Georgia defense. At 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, Carter has 13 solo tackles and three sacks to go with two forced fumbles. Even though his stats aren’t jumping off the page, Carter has been wrecking offensive lines in the SEC, often facing double teams. Carter’s ability to put pressure on linemen is a major reason why opposing offenses have averaged less than 13 points per game against Georgia.

Carter needs to be the selection if QB is already addressed and they find themselves taking the best player available, though he may not even make it to the Colts’ selection. The Colts don’t need a defensive tackle since they already have two of the best in DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. It needs to be considered though that both players are aging by the year and are soon-to-be free agents. Perhaps Indianapolis should draft a replacement and let him learn under some of the game’s best.

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