INDIANAPOLIS – The NFL Draft is still more than four months away.
However, mock drafts rarely sleep.
Like we did last year, Colts.com will compile mock drafts throughout the next few months and see what analysts have for the Colts.
Here's a look at who the draft experts have the Colts taking at No. 18 overall when the draft begins on April 28.
Analysis: Suffice to say the Colts should come out of this draft with at least one offensive lineman capable of stepping in early. Decker has a ton of experience -- he could have entered the draft last year and landed late in Round 1 -- and could be your Week 1 starter at left tackle in Indy. Conklin is another option if Decker goes off the board first.
Analysis: And here's the aforementioned Michigan State lineman. Personally, I see Decker as someone who projects out to be a left tackle. Conklin can play left tackle, right tackle or possibly even guard, but it's hard to say that LT is his sure home—hence his spot a notch below Decker. The Colts should be happy to take him, though. When healthy, Conklin is an intelligent, hard-nosed force.
Analysis: The Colts need to address the offensive line and Conklin is a steady player on tape.
Analysis: Indianapolis needs to improve the offensive and defensive lines, but the Colts have surprised in the first round the last few years and could again this year. Elliott isn't quite on the Todd Gurley level, but he is a complete back and will greatly help Andrew Luck and the passing game.
Analysis: Offensive line is often a popular choice for the Colts, but this week is about changing things up. Elliott would help balance the Colts offense in a big way. He's a big and powerful runner who can break into the open field on a big run at any time.
Analysis: The Colts' defensive rebuild starts in the trenches, and it may have started last season with third rounder Henry Anderson. Jones is going to be a hot name this offseason once the film is watched closely as he broke out this season with a 52.5 overall grade, including a 34.7 mark as a pass rusher. The former top recruit ranked right behind Buckner since week four, and in 1,053 snaps over the last two seasons, he's posted an impressive 65.9 overall grade.
Analysis: After getting a reprieve following a disappointing campaign marred by an injury to Andrew Luck, Ryan Grigson and Chuck Pagano could make a concerted effort to upgrade the pass protection.
MOCK DRAFT TOTALS
OT: 4
RB: 2
DL: 1
Bowen's Analysis: Well, you had to figure a run on offensive tackles was coming in 2016 for the Colts. Draft pundits know the offensive line emphasis that virtually everyone has for the Colts as they head into the offseason. Decker and Conklin are guys that we've seen just below the top tier of tackles (Ole Miss' Laremy Tunsil and Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley). Does either have the flexibility to possibly play inside? Remember, Jack Mewhort was a college left tackle before now settling in at guard in the NFL. Maybe the Colts could play one of those tackles in the interior if they want to go with Joe Reitz or Denzelle Good at right tackle. The Elliott pick will obviously frighten many Colts fans with just the mere thought of a running back in Round One. I am intrigued to see where Elliott goes in the draft after we saw a couple of running backs hear their name called on Day One last year. I think as Mock Drafts go on we might see a few more defenders sliding in at No. 18.
First Mock Draft Look of 2016!
