With these final candidates moving into rounds six and seven of the NFL Draft, you will find a constant theme. That theme will be finding the best player available in an area of need, or just the best player in general. These candidates are typically a long shot to make the team, or will need to prove themselves in other areas. That area would typically be special teams. Whether or not they played that role in college is irrelevant; the goal is carve out a role and attempt to make a difference.
Round Six, Pick 191
The Indianapolis Colts Select….
Aaron Smith, LB/South Carolina State
For all the faults of the Ballard era, the one indisputable trait of the scouting team is their ability to evaluate linebackers. This front office has had great success drafting linebackers. The names include, but are not limited to, Bobby Okereke, Anthony Walker Jr, Zaire Franklin, EJ Speed, and of course, Shaquille Leonard.
This would not be the first time that Chris Ballard had drafted a linebacker out of South Carolina State. The last time Ballard did that he drafted Shaquille Leonard, who went on to have a great career with the franchise before injuries began to take their. The new staff the Colts have assembled on the defensive front is secondary heavy, but new Linebackers Coach James Bettcher will want to bring in some new competition. Both EJ Speed and Grant Stuard are free agents in March. Zaire Franklin is expected to return, and the franchise drafted Jaylon Carlies last April.
Smith has the typical size you look for in an NFL linebacker. His measurables are 6’2 and 230 pounds. His strengths are as a run stopper, and he is known by scouts to be a sound tackler. These would rectify the two main issues of the Colts defense last season. He can play special teams if needed as well. He had a career-high 59 tackles this season for SCSU. His speed would most likely put him in the Will Linebacker spot in the league. Smith is still a raw prospect that needs work, but his increase in coaching and competition will be beneficial for him. It’s all you can really ask for with a sixth-round pick.