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
- Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com
- Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
- Doug Farrar, TouchdownWire
- Kalyn Kahler, MMQB
- DraftTek.com
- Charley Casserly, NFL.com
- Luke Easterling, DraftWire
- Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
- Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com
- R.J. White, CBS Sports
- Vinny Iyer, Sporting News
- Todd McShay, ESPN
- Dane Brugler, The Athletic
- Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus
- Chad Reuter, NFL.com
- Nick Klopsis, Newsday
- Joe Marino, The Draft Network
- Matt Miller, Bleacher Report
- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
- Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
- Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
- Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus
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Expert: Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft: Feb. 25 (link)
Selection: Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
Previous selections: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss; Devin Bush, LB, Michigan; Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State; Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Analysis: "The Colts need to improve their pass coverage. Here's a pass-coverage specialist at linebacker to pair with Darius Leonard. Wilson recorded 71 tackles with five passes broken up, two interceptions and five tackles for a loss in 2018, but he only played one half in many games due to Alabama blowing out so many opponents. In 2017, Wilson collected 40 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss, two passes batted and four interceptions. Team sources say that Wilson (6-1, 238) has early-round potential for the 2019 NFL Draft. They love what he does in pass coverage with his rare instincts and ability to defend the pass. Inside linebackers with pass-coverage skills are always in demand, so there will be plenty of NFL teams hoping to land him."
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Expert: Dan Kadar, SB Nation
Date of mock draft: Feb. 25 (link)
Selection: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Previous selections: Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State; Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma; Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson; Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
Analysis: "If the Colts don't go after a wide receiver in free agency, they could have their pick of them in the first round of the draft. They could choose to roll the dice on Metcalf's upside. That, of course, is assuming Metcalf can move around after packing on mass. That's something we'll find out when Metcalf goes through the paces at Lucas Oil Stadium."
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Expert: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: Feb. 25 (link)
Selection: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Previous selections: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware; N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State; Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia; Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Analysis: "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. After a breakout season for the Huskies, Murphy could end up being the best cornerback in this class with a good combine."
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Expert: Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft: Feb. 23 (link)
Selection: Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech
Previous selections: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Analysis: "The Colts made great strides defensively last year, but they were just 29th in adjusted sack rate. They'll be looking to improve their pass rush. Jaylon Ferguson had an excellent Senior Bowl, proving that he could compete with the power-five prospects. He may have moved himself into being a first-round selection."
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Expert: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: Feb. 22 (link)
Selection: Lonnie Johnson, CB, Kentucky
Previous selections: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington; A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss; Byron Murphy, CB, Washington; Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Analysis: "Deandre Baker would be in the mix if the board fell this way, Johnson's length and athleticism combination is too appealing to pass here for a team in need of an alpha outside corner."
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Expert: Doug Farrar, TouchdownWire
Date of mock draft: Feb. 21 (link)
Selection: N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: "The 2018 version of Andrew Luck benefited greatly from two things: Good health for the first time in years, and a Frank Reich-led offense that was one of the NFL's most effective, especially in the passing game. That Luck threw for 39 touchdowns and nearly 4,600 yards with one true receiver amassing over 500 yards (T.Y. Hilton with 1,270) is further testament to Luck's greatness and how well he fits into the best system he's had since Bruce Arians was running his playbook. However, it's time to give Luck a alpha dog alongside Hilton, and Harry would be an excellent choice. He's not a top-level burner, but like Keenan Allen, he uses route understanding and subtle separation skills to get open. An advanced quarterback like Luck would love a receiver with Harry's skill set on the roster."
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Expert: Kalyn Kahler, MMQB
Date of mock draft: Feb. 20 (link)
Selection: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
Analysis: "Andrew Luck gets another offensive weapon in Brown, who would complement T.Y. Hilton nicely. Brown can make tough catches in traffic and has the size and strength to be a physical, catch-and-run possession threat."
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Expert: DraftTek.com
Date of mock draft: Feb. 20 (link)
Selection: Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
Previous selections: Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State; J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford; Emanuel Hall, WR, Missouri
Analysis: "Should Indy select a player like Brian Burns with the 26th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, it would leave many Colts' fans ecstatic. Some may seriously want a top wideout (and that may ultimately be the selection at pick #26), but it would be hard to deny the range of versatility Burns would provide Colts' Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus. Many might pigeonhole Burns into a 3-4 only base D, but his athleticism, speed, and power allow him to play in multiple fronts and from either side. Hand in the dirt or standing upright, Burns has ample talent to provide production from either method. Getting him together with Coach (and former Colts' standout) Robert Mathis gives one reason to think he has an even higher floor for the future. Indy finished in a 3-way tie for 19th in the league in sacks for 2018 (which was up from 31st in the NFL in 2017). The Colts will need to jump into the top 10 if they want to become a legitimate Super Bowl threat. Denico Autry and Darius Leonard led the way last season with 9 and 7 QB sacks, respectively. More is needed in the way of QB pressure and sacks, which is why an added EDGE presence is needed, along with increased pressure up the middle. With the versatility Brian Burns brings to the table, that pressure could be coming from anywhere on the Indy defense in 2019, which is what helps keep the opposition guessing throughout the game - and especially in "crunch time.""
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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: Luke Easterling, DraftWire
Date of mock draft: Feb. 19 (link)
Selection: Jerry Tillery, DL, Notre Dame
Previous selections: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State; Kelvin Harmon, WR, North Carolina State; Jerry Tillery, DL, Notre Dame
Analysis: "General manager Chris Ballard is building one of the best young teams in the league, but there are still a few glaring holes to fill. One of them is along the interior of the defensive line, where the Colts could use a versatile, disruptive force like Tillery, who can line up in multiple spots."
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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
Date of mock draft: Feb. 18 (link; ESPN Insider access required)
Selection: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
Previous selections: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Analysis: "GM Chris Ballard had one of the league's best draft classes in 2018, and the Colts made a surprising run to the playoffs. They'll have this pick and the No. 34 overall pick from the Jets to continue to upgrade. Brown (6-1, 225) could be an effective No. 2 receiver next to T.Y. Hilton as Indianapolis tries to get better weapons around Andrew Luck. Brown had 2,572 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns over the past two seasons, and he's the second Ole Miss wideout off the board in my projection, after D.K. Metcalf to Buffalo at No. 9."
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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: R.J. White, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: Feb. 12 (link)
Selection: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Previous selections: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss; Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Analysis: "Wilkins has been a bit of an afterthought with all the defensive line talent in this class, but when he finally gets drafted he's going to step in and make an immediate impact on the interior of a defensive line. The Colts were shot out of a cannon this year with a healthy Andrew Luck, and upgrading the D-line could be what helps them take the next step."
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Expert: Vinny Iyer, Sporting News
Date of mock draft: Feb. 9 (link)
Selection: N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: "Andrew Luck had a big season despite limited pop at receiver beyond T.Y. Hilton. Harry would complement Hilton as a big (6-4, 216 pounds) matchup nightmare through the red zone who also can provide another strong intermediate-to-deep threat. Harry's stock has the potential to shoot up, a la Mike Evans, so Stanford's J.J. Arcega-Whiteside also must remain on the Colts' radar."
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Expert: Todd McShay, ESPN
Date of mock draft: Feb. 7 (link; ESPN Insider access required)
Selection: Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
Previous selections: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Analysis: "Indy could use a receiver, but the secondary is a bigger need. Mullen, a long and lean corner, had four interceptions over the past two seasons with the Tigers and would help shore up the Colts' middle-of-the-road pass defense."
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Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Date of mock draft: Feb. 5 (link; The Athletic subscription required)
Selection: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Previous selections: Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Analysis: "The Colts' defense played better than expected last season under first-year defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, but there is room for upgrades. With his timing and instincts to disrupt the catch point, Baker would be an ideal fit in the Colts' mostly Cover-2 scheme."
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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."
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Expert: Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: Feb. 5 (link)
Selection: Kelvin Harmon, WR, N.C. State
Analysis: "The Colts need a big-bodied receiver to complement T.Y. Hilton."
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Expert: Nick Klopsis, Newsday
Date of mock draft: Feb. 4 (link)
Selection: Kelvin Harmon, WR, N.C. State
Analysis: "The Colts don't have too many glaring needs, so they can afford to make a luxury pick here and bolster an already strong receiving corps. Kelvin Harmon is a well-rounded receiver with the size (6-3, 214), speed, hands and route-running ability to eventually become a No. 1 receiver."
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Expert: Joe Marino, The Draft Network
Date of mock draft: Feb. 4 (link)
Selection: Dexter Lawrence, DL, Clemson
Analysis: "Al Woods and Margus Hunt played considerable snaps on the interior defensive line for the Colts in 2018. Both are 32 with expired contracts. Grover Stewart was up and down while Hassan Ridgeway and Jihad Ward (expired contract) had some flashes, but overall the position group needs an infusion of talent. Lawrence is a massive man that is capable of dominating at the point of attack while also featuring good mobility relative to his frame. He can help keep the Colts defense stout and make sure star linebacker Darius Leonard is clean of blocks to make splash plays."
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Expert: Matt Miller, Bleacher Report
Date of mock draft: Feb. 4 (link)
Selection: Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson
Previous selections: N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: "Christian Wilkins started the season with a second-round grade on my board, but the more Clemson tape that's evaluated, the more it's clear he has a role as an interior pass-rusher and excellent leader in the NFL. His athleticism, production and character add up to a first-round grade. For the Indianapolis Colts, he's exactly the type of player they've shown a want for. Wilkins is no-nonsense, all about ball and works his tail off on and off the field. He's also a disruptor from the middle of the defensive line and can bring pressure up the middle to collapse pockets and flush quarterbacks.The Colts have other needs that could be addressed here—like edge-rusher or wide receiver—but with two selections in the second round, it makes the most sense to grab a potential building block on defense while they can."
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Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: Jan. 29 (link)
Selection: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Analysis: "Playing on the prevailing Colts theme of build the fronts and look for traits, I'll give them an inconsistent but talented interior rusher with elite physical dimensions."
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Expert: Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: Jan. 25 (link)
Selection: N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: "The big-bodied pass catcher from Arizona State would be an ideal fit as a WR2 opposite T.Y. Hilton."
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Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: Jan. 23 (link)
Selection: Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Analysis: "Abram is one of my favorite players in the draft. He fits what the Colts are building on defense."
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Expert: Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus
Date of mock draft: Jan. 15 (link)
Selection: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Analysis: "Brown brings a speed element to the Colts' offense after averaging 19.2 yards per reception in 2017 and 17.6 yards/reception last season. He ranked sixth in the nation with 592 yards on deep passes last year."
