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.
INDIANAPOLIS — The 2019 NFL Draft is now just a day away, and with that Colts.com brings you our final projections for what may occur in the first round on Thursday night, as well as what the Indianapolis Colts could do with their remaining picks in rounds two through seven.
The Colts currently hold the 26th-overall pick as well as eight other picks throughout the other six rounds.
Six of the Colts' nine picks are inside the top 150, as they acquired an extra second-rounder (34th overall) from last year's trade with the New York Jets, as well as a fourth-round compensatory pick. The Colts also entered last year's draft with nine picks but ended up making 11 picks. If there's anything we know about Colts general manager Chris Ballard, it's that he loves compiling picks, so Indy may not stop at nine this year either.
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ROUND 1
1. Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Kyler Murray | Quarterback | Oklahoma
Unless another team hops up ahead of Arizona, I don't see this one changing. They'll have to find a suitor for 2018 first-round pick Josh Rosen, but Murray to the Cardinals has a lot of smart football people saying it's a foregone conclusion.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Pick: Nick Bosa | Edge Defender | Ohio State
"Baby Bosa" is arguably the top player in the draft, and acquiring him would allow the 49ers to put him and Dee Ford on the edges with DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead at tackle. That's a formidable defensive front.
3. New York Jets
Pick: Quinnen Williams | Defensive Tackle | Alabama
Pairing Quinnen Williams with Leonard Williams and Henry Anderson is almost unfair to opposing offensive lines, but it's something New York could very well do by making this selection. That's three interior linemen who can push the pocket and affect the run and pass.
4. Oakland Raiders
Pick: Ed Oliver | Defensive Tackle | Houston
The Raiders have a bunch of picks, and their roster is in a position to where they really can't make a wrong pick as long as they're adding the best available talent. Oliver brings a Tasmanian Devil quality to the defensive line that Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden are sure to appreciate.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick: Devin White | Linebacker | LSU
With Kwon Alexander leaving for greener pastures this offseason, the Buccaneers replace him here with a linebacker that many put right up near the top of the linebacker prospects that we've seen in recent years.
6. New York Giants
Pick: Josh Allen | Edge Defender | Kentucky
Dwayne Haskins no longer seems like a high likelihood for this pick, and I just can't make myself put Daniel Jones this high. Best player available it is, so New York get a high-end pass rusher to replace the losses of Jason Pierre-Paul and Oliver Vernon in recent years.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: T.J. Hockenson | Tight End | Iowa
Jaguars executive Tom Coughlin recently spoke favorably about taking a high-impact tight end early, and it would make a lot of sense for Jacksonville if they did so. The Jags currently don't have anyone that exudes much confidence at the position, and Hockenson could eventually give Nick Foles a Zach Ertz-like presence.
8. Detroit Lions
Pick: Brian Burns | Edge Defender | Florida State
If Ezekiel Ansah is indeed not returning to Detroit, coupled with the free-agent departure of Kerry Hyder, the Lions definitely need defensive line help. Burns is arguably the most polished edge rusher in this draft and would give the Lions an instant upgrade.
9. Buffalo Bills
Pick: Jonah Williams | Offensive Tackle | Alabama
Whether they think he's a guard or tackle, Williams would give the Bills a big boost up front. For my money, he should stay a tackle, but they could use him anywhere. With Buffalo's investment in the run game with LeSean McCoy. Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon, they need maulers up front, and Williams would provide just that.
10. Denver Broncos
Pick: Devin Bush | Linebacker | Michigan
Vic Fangio's defense could use an injection of speed and athleticism, and that's what Bush brings. Not only does he have sideline-to-sideline range, but he can also help defend against AFC West tight ends Travis Kelce and Hunter Henry.
11. Cincinnati Bengals
Pick: Dwayne Haskins | Quarterback | Ohio State
New Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is in position to get "his guy" at quarterback if he so chooses, and a guy like Haskins from Ohio State would also help keep seats filled. Haskins has a ton of upside and could give the Bengals a fresh presence at quarterback for the foreseeable future. If they prefer to have him develop behind Andy Dalton, it wouldn't be the end of the world as he has just one season of starting experience with the Buckeyes.
12. Green Bay Packers
Pick: D.K. Metcalf | Wide Receiver | Ole Miss
With Randall Cobb out the door, the Packers don't have any proven commodities at receiver next to Davante Adams. Metcalf has the ability to be much more than just a sidekick to Adams, as he has elite WR1 potential. Paired with Aaron Rodgers, the sky would be the limit for Metcalf.
13. Miami Dolphins
Pick: Drew Lock | Quarterback | Missouri
The Dolphins need a quarterback of the future to either compete immediately with or learn behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins parted ways this offseason, leaving a big question mark about the future of the quarterback position in Miami. Lock has all the arm talent in the world but could use some time behind Fitzpatrick.
14. Atlanta Falcons
Pick: Jawaan Taylor | Offensive Tackle | Florida
Taylor would provide an immediate upgrade at tackle for Atlanta across from Jake Matthews, allowing the Falcons to recommit to the run game to balance out Matt Ryan and Julio Jones in the passing game.
15. Washington Redskins
Pick: Daniel Jones | Quarterback | Duke
The Redskins are in a tough spot at quarterback as Alex Smith looks likely to miss the season, Colt McCoy may be out until training camp and veteran Case Keenum currently sits in the driver's seat. There is no long-term answer at the position, so Jones is a prime candidate for this pick. Word on the street is there's interest there.
16. Carolina Panthers
Pick: Clelin Ferrell | Edge Defender | Clemson
Carolina needs more firepower coming off the edge, and Ferrell could help provide that along with Bruce Irvin and Mario Addison. Ferrell isn't an elite athlete, but his constant presence in the opponent's backfield can't be ignored.
17. New York Giants (from Cleveland Browns)
Pick: Greedy Williams | Cornerback | LSU
After missing out on the rest of the first-round quarterbacks, the Giants look for more general talent. The Giants need more competition at the top and quality depth at corner, and Williams is a potentially Pro Bowl-level corner.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Pick: Christian Wilkins | Defensive Tackle | Clemson
I'm sorry, Vikings fans. I really want to give an interior offensive lineman here, but with Cody Ford apparently out of the equation, I would feel like I was forcing it. The best move would likely be to trade back a little bit and then grab someone like Garrett Bradbury, Chris Lindstrom and Erik McCoy. Elsewhere, the Vikings could use some help replacing Sheldon Richardson, and Wilkins brings similar qualities as someone who puts pressure both on runners and the quarterback.
19. Tennessee Titans
Pick: Noah Fant | Tight End | Iowa
Marcus Mariota needs more weapons outside of Corey Davis. Signing Adam Humphries this offseason was a good move to add a possession receiver, but they need someone to eventually replace 34-year-old Delanie Walker. Noah Fant would of course provide Tennessee with value as a pass catcher, but he is also a capable blocker who could hone his skills while splitting time initially with Walker and Jonnu Smith.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: Deandre Baker | Cornerback | Georgia
It's hard to ever know what Pittsburgh will do in the draft, but they sure could use the services of someone like Baker to replace Coty Sensabaugh and compete with guys like Steven Nelson and Artie Burns.
21. Seattle Seahawks
Pick: Montez Sweat | Edge Defender | Mississippi State
Recent news about Sweat's heart condition indicates that he may not be the top-15-20 lock that he looked like following the Combine. Still, he's a high-end edge talent, and the Seahawks just traded one away on Tuesday when they sent Frank Clark to Kansas City.
22. Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Cody Ford | Guard | Oklahoma
Baltimore could use an enormous amount of help at receiver, but they're a run-first team. Here, they make sure to add a bulldozer up front for Lamar Jackson, Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards.
23. Houston Texans
Pick: Andre Dillard | Offensive Tackle | Washington State
The Texans get fortunate enough for a top-end offensive lineman to be available to them. Julie'n Davenport and Matt Kalil likely aren't the answer at left tackle, but perhaps Dillard — a four-year starter there — could be. Priority No. 1 has to be protecting the often-sacked Deshaun Watson.
24. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago Bears)
Pick: Josh Jacobs | Running Back | Alabama
The Raiders are reportedly one of the main teams who are highly interested in Jacobs, and with three first-round picks, they can afford to spend one on a running back. With Marshawn Lynch reportedly set to retire from the NFL, Jacobs would give the Raiders that sort of toughness and attitude at the position.
25. Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson | Safety | Florida
The Eagles could use some more talent and versatility in the secondary, and they get it here with Gardner-Johnson. Pairing him with Malcolm Jenkins would potentially give the Eagles one of the smartest, most instinctive safety duos in the NFL.
26. Indianapolis Colts
Pick: Jerry Tillery | Defensive Tackle | Notre Dame
The Colts add reinforcements to the interior of their defensive line here by selecting Tillery. Pass rush and having quality depth featuring waves of defensive linemen will always be something that Ballard, head coach Frank Reich and defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus build this team on.
Although he could be more consistent, Tillery is pro-ready and would be able to contribute as an interior pass rusher right away. His frame and athleticism would also allow him to play either end or tackle in certain situations.
Age and free agency is likely to thin the herd on the Colts' line within the next couple years. Justin Houston, Jabaal Sheard and Margus Hunt all will be at least 30 when the 2019 season begins, and Denico Autry, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Hassan Ridgeway, Grover Stewart, Houston, Hunt and Sheard will all be due to hit free agency within the next two years.
(2019 Colts.com Mock Draft 1.0 and 2.0 previous selection: Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson)
27. Oakland Raiders (from Dallas Cowboys)
Pick: Rashan Gary | Edge Defender | Michigan
The status of Gary's labrum as well as being pretty raw has him available near the end of the first round, but being able to pull in both him and Oliver is a potential slam dunk for Mayock in his first draft as Raiders GM.
28. Los Angeles Chargers
Pick: Dexter Lawrence | Defensive Tackle | Clemson
The Chargers already have a really nice defensive front featuring Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa on the edges, but plugging Lawrence into the middle of it could help take them to the next level. He's a space eater and would help prevent the Chargers from being run on, but he also has better athleticism than most humans his size.
29. Seattle Seahawks (from Kansas City Chiefs)
Pick: Darnell Savage | Safety | Maryland
The Seahawks have a void to fill in the secondary after Earl Thomas signed on with the Ravens this offseason. Although Savage isn't the total package that Thomas is, he has similar range and burst. He flies across the field and makes plays in the backfield, but he can also cover a ton of ground in the passing game.
30. Green Bay Packers (from New Orleans Saints)
Pick: Chris Lindstrom | Guard | Boston College
Green Bay won't have Rodgers forever, so it's time to make a serious run for it for reinforcing everything around him. Lindstrom would be an upgrade at guard in front of Rodgers, also helping to open things up for running back Aaron Jones.
31. Los Angeles Rams
Pick: Garrett Bradbury | Center | NC State
John Sullivan and Rodger Saffold both hit free agency this offseason, so Los Angeles needs to fortify the interior line. Bradbury is many people's top interior lineman in this draft, so they are fortunate to grab him here. Here, the Rams get a center to keep Jared Goff's face clear and to help open lanes for Todd Gurley.
32. New England Patriots
Pick: Irv Smith Jr. | Tight End | Alabama
Patriots' head man Bill Belichick chopped it up with Smith at Alabama's pro day, and now he may be in position to add Smith to replace the recently-retired Rob Gronkowski. New England has several "maybes" at the tight end position currently but no solid long-term options. Smith is a versatile player that would fit in quite well in New England as someone who can be moved around to block (might be the best blocking tight end in this draft) and catch the ball.
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ROUND 2
34. Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets)
Pick: Johnathan Abram | Safety | Mississippi State
Abram is a perfect fit for the Colts. He's a leader both on and off the field. On it, he's a tone-setting player with a high motor whose teammates gravitate toward and feed off his energy. Abram is really good box defender who is adequate in coverage against backs and tight ends, and he fires into the backfield and racks up tackles for loss.
The Colts already have two solid starters at safety in Malik Hooker and Clayton Geathers, but both have dealt with injuries. Matthias Farley is also coming back from his own season-ending injury in 2018. The Colts value versatility in their safeties, as they carved out three-safety looks last season effectively. Abram could find a role right away.
(2019 Colts.com Mock Draft 2.0 previous selection: Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State)
59. Indianapolis Colts
Pick: Amani Oruwariye | Cornerback | Penn State
Oruwariye could potentially make a seamless transition into the Colts' zone-heavy defense. At almost 6-1 and 205 pounds, he's got really nice size and physicality to go with his closing speed and ball skills. In the NFL, it looks like he could turn into a playmaker.
After what Pierre Desir was able to do last year, the Colts saw firsthand what having a lengthy corner to matchup with big opposing receivers can do for a defense.
(2019 Colts.com Mock Draft 2.0 previous selection: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida)
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ROUND 3
89. Indianapolis Colts
Pick: Kahale Warring | Tight End | San Diego State
Ascending talents like Warring are exactly what the Colts tend to look for. He is super athletic after playing about every sport imaginable in high school, and it absolutely shows on the football field. He isn't afraid to be physical as a blocker or with the ball in his hands. Though Warring was never a full-time starter as SDSU, he already looks pretty polished as a player, meaning there's a ton ceiling ahead of him. Paired with a good quarterback like Andrew Luck, he could become elite. Warring might have the highest ceiling of any tight end in the draft.
The Colts have a great-looking tight end group as it stands currently. However, Jack Doyle, Eric Ebron, Mo Alie-Cox and Ross Travis are all reportedly due for free agency in 2020, so the position could look a lot thinner this time next year.
(2019 Colts.com Mock Draft 2.0 previous selection: Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State)
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ROUND 4
129. Indianapolis Colts
Pick: Oshane Ximines | Edge Defender | Old Dominion
Ximines is an interesting prospect because those that like him think he could go late Round 2 into Round 3, but those who are lukewarm on him think he goes into Day 3. Because he's a small-school prospect, his stock is up in the air.
Being from a smaller Conference USA team, you want those players' tape to show a consistent high level of play, and Ximines' does. He's a high-energy pass rusher with obvious traits to work with. He could wind up being a mid-round steal who becomes a team's top pass rusher. His statistical production has improved every year at Old Dominion, which is one way of exemplifying that he is an ascending talent. His pass rush moves should be evident from the day he arrives on site, but he'll have to prove he can disengage from blockers if he doesn't get the initial jump on them.
135. Indianapolis Colts (compensatory pick)
Pick: Trey Pipkins | Offensive Tackle | Sioux Falls
Pipkins — who the Colts reportedly hosted for a pre-draft 30 visit — would be a solid developmental prospect for the Colts who could fill a need within the next year. Starting left tackle Anthony Castonzo as well as reserve tackles Joe Haeg, Le'Raven Clark and J'Marcus Webb are all reportedly due for free agency in 2020, so at the very least the Colts need to address their depth at the position.
At 6-6, 309, Pipkins has nice size but even better athleticism that he showed off at the Combine.
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ROUND 5
164. Indianapolis Colts
Pick: Darius Slayton | Wide Receiver | Auburn
The Colts don't necessarily have to invest a high pick in a wide receiver, but it may be wise to add at least one draft pick. At 6-1 with 32-inch arms, Slayton has nice length and can high-point the ball. However, he is primarily is a speedy downfield threat who would bring the Colts an element they lacked last year outside of T.Y. Hilton. As a top receiver, however, Hilton's game isn't about just going deep. Although Deon Cain can get downfield, he is coming off ACL surgery and it's still yet to be determined if he can be that type of threat in his first season post-surgery.
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ROUND 6
199. Indianapolis Colts
Pick: Chase Hansen | Linebacker | Utah
The Colts knocked it out of the park with their linebacker pickups in the last two years, adding starters in Darius Leonard, Anthony Walker and Matthew Adams while Zaire Franklin and Skai Moore also proved capable when they saw the field. Najee Goode, who provided a nice special teams presence, hit free agency this offseason.
Hansen has experience as a safety as well as a linebacker and could make an excellent depth addition in the Colts' linebacker corps and potentially an even better special teamer.
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ROUND 7
240. Indianapolis Colts
Pick: Alex Bars | Offensive Lineman | Notre Dame
Like with Pipkins, Bars would help provide offensive line depth, but he also has experience at guard as well as tackle. He is coming off an ACL injury which ended his 2018 season prematurely, but he may be ready for the season since his injury occurred last September. He is a mid-round talent who may be available here in the seventh because of the injury. His familiarity with Colts 2018 first-round pick Quenton Nelson is a cherry on top that helps camaraderie in the locker room.
