INDIANAPOLIS – When it came to the Colts drafting a running back in 2017, it was not a matter of 'if,' but rather of 'when.'
In Round Four and pick No. 143 on Saturday afternoon, the Colts selected South Florida running back Marlon Mack.**
Getting To Know Marlon Mack-Why Mack?**
Considering what the Colts currently have at running back, and what also is on the horizon at that position, drafting a ball carrier had to happen in 2017. By all accounts, the running back group was extremely deep in 2017 and the Colts wanted to be patient, and find one in the later rounds. The NFL, and the Colts themselves, have seen success in taking later-round running backs. That's why Saturday was the expected day for the Colts to take a back to throw in with Frank Gore and Robert Turbin.-Mack's Home Run Ability
Described as a "home run" hitter, Mack averaged 6.1 yards per carry over a trio of 1,000-yard campaigns at South Florida. Big plays were a major part of Mack's game at South Florida as the Bulls moved him around their spread offense (six of Mack's 15 touchdowns were at least 43 yards last season). Colts area scout Jamie Moore said Mack was often split out wide as South Florida wanted to try and get him in space and the open field. Mack had 32 touchdowns in his collegiate career.-Where Does Mack Fit?On his conference call with the Indy media, Mack said he especially enjoyed the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium during his Combine experience. Well, the Colts hope Mack is seen running free on that turf for years to come. Going into 2017, Frank Gore is in a contract year and turns 34 years old. Finding the possible future/feature back was a goal in the 2017 Draft. Mack could be sprinkled into the offense this year (especially given how his strengths are something the Colts would love to add to the offense) before ascending into a possible lead back role as early as 2018.
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