INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have the No. 26-overall pick in April's 2019 NFL Draft. Here's your latest weekly compilation taking a look at which players the various experts believe will land in Indianapolis:
- Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
- Dan Kadar, SB Nation
- Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
- DraftTek.com
- Jake Arthur, Colts.com
- Doug Farrar, TouchdownWire
- Chad Reuter, NFL.com
- R.J. White, CBS Sports
- Luke Easterling, DraftWire
- Kalyn Kahler, MMQB
- Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com
- Peter Schrager, NFL.com
- Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
- Matt Miller, Bleacher Report
- Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
- Nick Klopsis, Newsday
- Josh Norris, Rotoworld
- Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
- Charles Davis, NFL.com
- Danny Kelly, The Ringer
- Nate Davis, USA TODAY
- Dane Brugler, The Athletic
- Joe Marino, The Draft Network
- Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus
- John Clayton, The Washington Post
- Todd McShay, ESPN
- The Athletic Beat Writers
- Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
- Forrest N. Long, The Huddle Report
- Charley Casserly, NFL.com
- Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com
- Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus
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Expert: Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft: April 1 (link)
Selection: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Previous selections: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson; Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama; D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss; Devin Bush, LB, Michigan; Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State; Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Analysis: "The Colts continue to build up their defensive line with a big nose tackle to go with Denico Autry. Lawrence recorded 37 tackles with 7.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks and three passes broken up in 2018. He totaled 34 tackles with 2.5 sacks in 2017. While Lawrence's numbers were down in 2017 over his freshman season, he helped create a lot of sacks for those around him. Team sources who did advance work on the 2019 prospects said Lawrence wasn't the same player as a sophomore, and they theorize he was playing with an injury that was not disclosed. As a junior, Lawrence was better than he was in 2017, but still not what he was as a freshman. He also hurt himself with a positive test that led to him being suspended for the playoff games against Notre Dame and Alabama. The 6-foot-4, 342-pounder was a tremendous freshman to help Clemson win the 2016 season's National Championship. NFL sources were raving about Lawrence in the 2017 preseason, as he was impossible to ignore in 2016. Lawrence was an All-Freshman selection all over the nation, plus was named the ACC Rookie of the Year. He totaled 63 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and a pass batted for 2016. One national scout for an NFC team told me that they thought Lawrence was among the two most disruptive defensive linemen that season - along with Alabama's Jonathan Allen."
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Expert: Dan Kadar, SB Nation
Date of mock draft: April 1 (link)
Selection: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Previous selections: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington; Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia; Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple; D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss; Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State; Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma; Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson; Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
Analysis: "The Colts have T.Y. Hilton, and not much else at wide receiver. Before free agency started, the expectation was that the Colts would make a push for a big-money wide receiver. That didn't happen, which opens the position up early in the draft for Indianapolis. Brown played on the outside at Oklahoma, but he could be dangerous for the Colts from the slot."
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Expert: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: April 1 (link)
Selection: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Previous selections: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss; Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame; Byron Murphy, CB, Washington; Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware; N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State; Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia; Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Analysis: "We love this pick -- Matt Eberflus transformed the Colts into a good defense in 2018. To go from good to great, Indy needs to add a few more pieces. Tillery was dominant at times last season and if he can play with more consistency he could end up being one of the biggest surprises of this class."
Note: Wilson most recently conducted a three-round Mock Draft. In the second round, he had the Colts selecting A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss (No. 34 overall) and Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State (No. 59 overall). In the third round, he has the Colts picking Isaiah Johnson, CB, Houston (No. 89 overall).
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Expert: DraftTek.com
Date of mock draft: April 1 (link)
Selection: Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
Previous selections: Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech; Brian Burns, DE, Florida State; Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech; Brian Burns, DE, Florida State; Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State; J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford; Emanuel Hall, WR, Missouri
Analysis: None.
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Expert: Jake Arthur, Colts.com
Date of mock draft: March 28 (link)
Selection: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Analysis: "Ferrell has been one of my big draft "crushes" dating back to last year before he announced he would return to Clemson, and the Colts land him for my second mock draft in a row. The Colts just added veteran pass rusher Justin Houston in free agency, but they'll never stop trying to get their best eight-or-so defensive linemen. Adding Ferrell would give the Colts an edge rotation at the top of Jabaal Sheard/Houston with Kemoko Turay/Ferrell following them up. With Sheard due to hit free agency in 2020, the Colts wouldn't be placed in a bind should he sign elsewhere due to the depth they would already have after selecting Ferrell."
Note: Arthur most recently projected the Colts' four picks in the first three rounds of the draft. In the second round, he had the Colts selecting Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State (No. 34 overall) and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida (No. 59 overall). In the third round, he had the Colts selecting Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State.
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Expert: Doug Farrar, TouchdownWire
Date of mock draft: March 28 (link)
Selection: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Previous selections: Brian Burns, DE, Florida State; Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson; N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: "Getting Justin Houston as a short-term fix for the pass rush was a great move by Colts general manager Chris Ballard, but there's still a need for a longer-term solution at the edge. Ferrell isn't the flashiest pass-rusher in this class, but he's very technically proficient, and he adds credible run defense right away."
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Expert: Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: March 28 (link)
Selection: Dexter Lawrence, DL, Clemson
Previous selections: Kelvin Harmon, WR, N.C. State
Analysis: "GM Chris Ballard wants to upgrade his team's defensive line. Lawrence can be a dominant force when rested and ready to go."
Note: Reuter most recently conducted a four-round Mock Draft. In the second round, he had the Colts selecting A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss (No. 34 overall) and Taylor Rapp, S, Washington (No. 59 overall). In the third round, he had the Colts selecting Kahale Warring TE, San Diego State. Fourth round: Cameron Smith, LB, USC, and Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn.
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Expert: R.J. White, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: March 28 (link)
Selection: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Previous selections: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU; D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss; Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson; D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss; Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Analysis: "Murphy is going to be a steal for whoever gets him, and even though he doesn't have the speed to stay with top wideouts, you can still be a top corner without a big number in the 40 on your resume. The Washington product ran a Richard Sherman-esque 4.55 40 at the combine, and that should be just fine for the Colts to add him to their secondary as an immediate starter."
Note: White most recently conducted a three-round Mock Draft. In the second round, he had the Colts selecting Jerry Tillery, DL, Notre Dame (No. 34 overall) and Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State (No. 59 overall). In the third round, he had the Colts selecting Charles Omenihu, DE, Texas.
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Expert: Luke Easterling, DraftWire
Date of mock draft: March 27 (link)
Selection: Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson
Previous selections: N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State; Brian Burns, DE, Florida State; Jerry Tillery, DL, Notre Dame; Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan (traded up to No. 21 overall); Jerry Tillery, DL, Notre Dame; Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State; Kelvin Harmon, WR, North Carolina State; Jerry Tillery, DL, Notre Dame
Analysis: "Getting sniped for Ferrell might hurt, but there's still a dominant Clemson defensive lineman who would help fill a need for the Colts. Wilkins is a rare athlete for his size, and his explosive, versatile skill set would be a fantastic addition to one of the league's best young defenses."
Note: Easterling most recently conducted a four-round Mock Draft. In the second round, he had the Colts selecting N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State (No. 34 overall) and Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama (No. 59 overall). In the third round, he had the Colts selecting Joe Jackson, DE, Miami. Fourth round: Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan, and Bobby Okereke, LB, Stanford.
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Expert: Kalyn Kahler, MMQB
Date of mock draft: March 27 (link)
Selection: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Previous selections: Taylor Rapp, S, Washington; A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
Analysis: "The Colts added Devin Funchess in free agency, but adding the speedy Brown across from T.Y. Hilton would give them a second deep threat and put opposing defenses in a bind."
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Expert: Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft: March 26 (link)
Selection: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Previous selections: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia; Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech; D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Analysis: "The Colts were 20th in pass defense efficiency last year. Both their pass rush and secondary were responsible for this, so Indianapolis can take a big step toward correcting this problem by obtaining the top cornerback in the 2019 NFL Draft. The 2019 corner class is one of the weakest I've ever seen at the position, but (Murphy) provides decent value at No. 26 overall. Byron Murphy is a very instinctive, ball-hawking cornerback. I've had him high in my 2020 NFL Mock Draft, but he declared despite being a redshirt sophomore. Murphy received second-round grades from the draft committee, but there aren't 32 first-round-caliber prospects in this class, so Murphy could sneak into the end of Day 1."
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Expert: Peter Schrager, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: March 26 (link)
Selection: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Previous selections: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
Analysis: "GM Chris Ballard has had the golden touch over the past 12 months, nailing last year's draft perhaps like no other GM in the league. Lawrence was one of the highest-ranked high school prospects in recent memory out of North Carolina, and he delivered at Clemson. He's massive (350 pounds), talented and well-liked. Lawrence missed the team's two postseason games this year because of a failed test for a performance-enhancing substance, but his coaches vouch for him and scream it from the mountaintops."
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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
Date of mock draft: March 25 (link; ESPN Insider access required)
Selection: Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State
Previous selections: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss; Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Analysis: "There are several wide receivers extremely close on my board, all with late Day 1 or early Day 2 grades. That includes Oklahoma's Marquise Brown, who hasn't been able to work out for teams because of a foot injury, and Ole Miss' A.J. Brown, whom I had here in my Mock Draft 2.0. It also includes McLaurin, a true speed threat who averaged 20.0 yards per catch last season. The 6-foot, 208-pound wideout ran a blazing 4.35 40 at the combine. Andrew Luck needs better weapons at wideout, even after Indy added Devin Funchess in free agency."
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Expert: Matt Miller, Bleacher Report
Date of mock draft: March 25 (link)
Selection: Jeffery Simmons, DL, Mississippi State
Previous selections: Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson; N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: "The fall of Jeffery Simmons due to a torn ACL suffered in pre-combine workouts is bad news for the player but great news for Colts general manager Chris Ballard, who can now land a top-five player at a discount. Simmons has some of the best tape in the draft class. He's powerful, fast, impactful and a master of penetrating the B-gap to get to the quarterback. Simmons could be considered a value pick if the Colts are confident in his ability to work back from injury—and if he's passed their character vetting after he punched a woman in March 2016. With Simmons, Justin Houston and last year's Defensive Rookie of the Year Darius Leonard, the Colts would have a defensive front seven that scares opposing offenses."
Note: Miller most recently conducted a three-round Mock Draft. In the second round, he had the Colts selecting N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State (No. 34 overall) and Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State (No. 59 overall). In the third round, he had the Colts selecting Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic.
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Expert: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: March 22 (link)
Selection: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Previous selections: Brian Burns, DE, Florida State; A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss; Lonnie Johnson, CB, Kentucky; Byron Murphy, CB, Washington; A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss; Byron Murphy, CB, Washington; Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Analysis: "Back-to-back members of Clemson's epic defensive line late in the first. Lawrence looks like a 3-4 nose but has insane explosiveness for his size and a nice arsenal of pass-rushing moves."
Note: Trapasso most recently conducted a seven-round Mock Draft. In the second round, he had the Colts selecting Taylor Rapp, S, Washington (No. 34 overall) and Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State (No. 59 overall). In the third round, he had the Colts selecting Isaiah Johnson, CB, Houston. Fourth round: Dontavius Russell, DT, Auburn, and Jordan Brown, CB, South Dakota State. Fifth round: Brett Rypien, QB, Boise State. Sixth round: Gerri Green, DE, Mississippi State. Seventh round: Tyler Roemer, T, San Diego State.
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Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: March 21 (link)
Selection: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Previous selections: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Analysis: "Last season, general manager Chris Ballard added a big, strong offensive lineman in Quenton Nelson with his first-round pick. This year, he adds a big, strong guy on the defensive side with Lawrence."
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Expert: Nick Klopsis, Newsday
Date of mock draft: March 20 (link)
Selection: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Previous selections: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson; Kelvin Harmon, WR, N.C. State
Analysis: "The Colts could use someone who can provide pressure up the middle. Jerry Tillery is a powerful, bull-rushing three-technique who had seven sacks in 2018, including four against Stanford."
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Expert: Josh Norris, Rotoworld
Date of mock draft: March 20 (link)
Selection: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Analysis: "Another Ballard homerun. It is clear Ballard weighs in athletic profiles in his evaluations. Tillery, in the 84th percentile, is an outstanding athlete with great bend and flexibility along the interior. He's fantastic. "
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Expert: Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: March 19 (link)
Selection: Jonathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Previous selections: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia; N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: "Abrams is the enforcer the Colts need to complement ballhawk Malik Hooker. The Mississippi State star is an exceptional run defender with the toughness and power to patrol the middle of the field."
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Expert: Charles Davis, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: March 15 (link)
Selection: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
Analysis: "A scary combination of size, speed and production when healthy. With WR T.Y. Hilton and TE Eric Ebron occupying attention from defenses, there will be ample opportunities for Metcalf to bully secondaries."
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Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer
Date of mock draft: March 15 (link)
Selection: Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
Previous selections: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Analysis: "Dependable, hard-hitting defender who has excellent play-recognition skills and the versatility to line up at multiple spots in the secondary."
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Expert: Nate Davis, USA TODAY
Date of mock draft: March 14 (link)
Selection: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
Previous selections: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
Analysis: "Can't ever have enough speed or cover guys on your roster, and corner is an area where Indianapolis can improve even with Pierre Desir returning to the fold."
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Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Date of mock draft: March 11 (link; The Athletic subscription required)
Selection: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Previous selections: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia; Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Analysis: "If a cornerback is shorter and slower than ideal, he needs top-tier instincts, ball skills and technique to mask his lack of elite physical traits – and Murphy does. His football IQ and competitiveness pop off the screen, projecting best in a zone-heavy scheme like what Matt Eberflus likes to do in Indianapolis."
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Expert: Joe Marino, The Draft Network
Date of mock draft: March 10 (link)
Selection: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Previous selections: Dexter Lawrence, DL, Clemson
Analysis: "Racking up 50.5 tackles for loss and 27 sacks across the last three season at Clemson, Ferrell was one of college football's most prolific EDGE rushers. He has prototypical size, excellent play strength, length and the technical refinement needed to be an impact rusher in the NFL. General manager Chris Ballard has indicated adding pass rush would be a priority this offseason and Ferrell fits perfectly."
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Expert: Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus
Date of mock draft: March 7 (link)
Selection: Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
Previous selection: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Analysis: "Layne may not be a first-round prospect for everyone, but his length and feel for zone coverages make him an excellent fit for the Colts' defensive scheme. He graded at an impressive 89.5 in coverage last season."
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Expert: John Clayton, The Washington Post
Date of mock draft: March 6 (link)
Selection: Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech
Analysis: "Adding a pass rusher is among the many things the Colts need to accomplish this offseason. Ferguson looked good in the Senior Bowl and could fit on the Colts' defensive line."
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Expert: Todd McShay, ESPN
Date of mock draft: March 6 (link; ESPN Insider access required)
Selection: Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
Previous selections: Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson; Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Analysis: "With a pretty good group of safeties out there on the free-agent market, the Colts could opt to address their need there. But with Matt Eberflus' 4-3 featuring under Cover 2 and Tampa 2 components, Indy will be looking for speed and versatility. Rapp checks those boxes."
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Expert: The Athletic Beat Writers
Date of mock draft: March 6 (link; The Athletic subscription required)
Selection: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Analysis: "Indianapolis is very thin in the secondary. GM Chris Ballard said at the scouting combine that defensive back depth is among his greatest concerns. After the Colts beefed up the offensive and defensive fronts in the 2018 draft, it is perhaps time to address the back end of the defense with a corner who possesses ball skills. — Stephen Holder
Dane's Take: Schematically, this pairing fits like a glove. Baker has the fluidity and quickness to play in a man scheme, but his instincts fit best in a Cover-2 or zone-heavy defense. He has the innate ability to diagnose routes and put himself in position to make plays on the football. Baker also has the toughness to hold his own as a run defender. The Colts and Baker are a great match."
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Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: March 5 (link)
Selection: N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Previous selections: Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Analysis: "The only question about Harry was his speed and he alleviated those concerns at the combine (4.53 40)."
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Expert: Forrest N. Long, The Huddle Report
Date of mock draft: March 3 (link)
Selection: Jeffery Simmons, DL, Mississippi State
Analysis: "The Colts could take a OL if one falls to them at twenty six, but I have most of the top OL gone by this point, so the Colts need to address getting defensive line help."
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Expert: Charley Casserly, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: Feb. 19 (link)
Selection: Dre'Mont Jones, DL, Ohio State
Analysis: "Versatile defensive lineman who fits the athletic mold that Indy wants."
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Expert: Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: Feb. 12 (link)
Selection: N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: "Another playmaker to help Andrew Luck, Harry is physical and will nicely complement T.Y. Hilton."
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Expert: Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus
Date of mock draft: Feb. 5 (link)
Selection: Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Analysis: "Talent-wise, Simmons is a top-10 player in this class. The video of him punching a girl in high school could have teams taking him off their board altogether though."
The Indianapolis Colts have the No. 26-overall pick in April's 2019 NFL Draft. Here's your latest weekly compilation taking a look at which players the various experts believe will land in Indianapolis.