INDIANAPOLIS – The days of the running backs being chosen for the Colts in Mock Drafts have largely come to an end.
Defense is winning for the Colts at pick No. 15.
Our final Mock Draft look saw seven of the eight Mock Drafts have defenders going to the Colts.
The draft will commence on Thursday night, with the Colts having seven picks over the three-day draft.
Here's our final compilation of Mock Drafts:
Analysis: Foster is the best inside linebacker in this draft, but few teams above the Colts at No. 15 need inside linebackers. He's not dropping because of his bizarre combine ejection. This would be one of the best value picks of Round 1.
Analysis: The Colts spent much of free agency adding more depth on defense, and while they still need more playmakers on that side of the ball, protecting Andrew Luck has to be a priority. Lamp is an excellent athlete, and the best all-around offensive lineman in this class. With Lamp, Jack Mewhort and last year's first-round pick Ryan Kelly, Indy would have a strong young interior O-line.
Analysis: Rookie GM Chris Ballard knows where his roster weaknesses are. The Colts made seven additions to their defensive front seven in free agency. They still lack a quality No. 2 corner opposite Vontae Davis, whose contract is up after this year. A pass-rush upgrade is entirely possible here; Wisconsin OLB T.J. Watt immediately comes to mind. King is a terrific alternative, and arguably addresses a more pressing need. At a sturdy 6-foot-3, 200 with impressive 32-inch arms, King is the highest-rated SPARQ athlete in this year's cornerback class and allowed just one touchdown pass over his final 28 college games.
Analysis: Pass rush is No. 1 need for the Colts. They could also consider a pass protector for Andrew Luck.
Analysis: New GM Chris Ballard desperate to find a pass-rusher. McKinley's his best shot.
Analysis: The Colts have needs all over the defense and could see the versatile and explosive Reddick as immediate help at a number of positions. Reddick recorded 22.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks as an edge rusher for the Owls in 2016 before wowing first at the Senior Bowl as a more traditional linebacker at the Senior Bowl and then at the Combine, recording a ridiculous 4.52 second time in the 40-yard dash and 11-feet-1-inch broad jump at 6-1, 234 pounds.
Analysis: It's no secret what Chris Ballard is looking to do in Indianapolis this offseason. The Colts are getting tougher, stronger and bigger up front on both sides of the ball. Harris had a better 2015 than 2016, but he was also double-teamed for most of 2016. This might be rich for some, and going Harris over the other pass rushers might raise eyebrows, but he fits what Indianapolis is doing.
Analysis: Reddick had excellent production at Temple, then turned plenty of heads in his move to linebacker during Senior Bowl practice. He has the versatility to play off the ball or rush the passer, perhaps even as a movable chess piece to isolate on running backs in passing situations. The Colts need to continue their defensive overhaul and Reddick gives them plenty of options after notching 10 sacks, four QB hits, and 29 hurries on 248 rushes in 2016.
MOCK DRAFT TOTALS
In each installment of the mock draft looks we will total up all the positions pundits have pegged for the Colts throughout the draft process.
Totals:
OLB: 14
CB: 7
ILB: 7
RB: 5
OG: 3
S: 1
DL: 1
OT: 1
Bowen's Analysis: In the end, the immediate positional needs are winning out for the Colts in Mock Drafts. The days of running backs being slotted to the Colts are all but over. Our final Mock Draft look has the linebacker group as the most common position going to the Colts at No. 15 overall. The pass rushers are the focus and the versatile Haason Reddick is the other name of late. It's looking like once Myles Garrett goes off the board at No. 1, many draft experts think the Colts could have a good chance at getting the next wave of pass rushers. Where the cornerback depth really lies in the draft appears to be in Rounds 2 and 3. So if the Colts do go edge rusher at pick No. 15, a potential starting corner could come on Friday. The trade element of the Colts' draft plans has to be taken into consideration, too. If the run on quarterbacks start to happen in the 12-ish range of Round One, the Colts could be a strong candidate to move back.
The analysis from those producing content on Colts.com does not necessarily represent the thoughts of the Indianapolis Colts organization. Any conjecture, analysis or opinions formed by Colts.com content creators is not based on inside knowledge gained from team officials, players or staff.
