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:
- Dane Brugler, The Athletic
- Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
- Dan Kadar, SB Nation
- Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
- Joe Marino, The Draft Network
- DraftTek.com
- Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com
- Josh Norris, Rotoworld
- Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
- Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus
- Chad Reuter, NFL.com
- Jake Arthur, Colts.com
- John Clayton, The Washington Post
- Nate Davis, USA TODAY
- Todd McShay, ESPN
- The Athletic Beat Writers
- Luke Easterling, DraftWire
- Doug Farrar, TouchdownWire
- Vinny Iyer, Sporting News
- Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
- Danny Kelly, The Ringer
- Nick Klopsis, Newsday
- Matt Miller, Bleacher Report
- Forrest N. Long, The Huddle Report
- Peter Schrager, NFL.com
- Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
- R.J. White, CBS Sports
- Kalyn Kahler, MMQB
- Charley Casserly, NFL.com
- Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
- Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com
- Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus
- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
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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: Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft: March 11 (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: March 11 (link)
Selection: Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
Previous selections: 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: "Although a lot has been made about the Colts needing to find pass rushers in the draft, cornerback can't be overlooked either. Ya-Sin only played one season of FBS football after beginning his college career at Presbyterian, but he locked receivers down at Temple. He plays with good speed and physicality and will come up and help against the run."
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Expert: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: March 11 (link)
Selection: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Previous selections: 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 loved this pick last week and we love it even more now. 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."
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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: DraftTek.com
Date of mock draft: March 10 (link)
Selection: Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
Previous selections: 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: "One of the biggest question marks for Brian Burns entering the 2019 NFL Combine was his weight, as he reportedly played this season at under 230 pounds. Those questions were answered and then some, as Burns showed up to the Combine at a tick below 250 lbs. and absolutely lit up all of the defensive line drills. He showed a real burst, with natural bend and smooth turn that should cement his status as a Day-1 pick. The only question is whether the Colts will be fortunate enough to have him fall this far... my guess is probably not, but one can dream!"
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Expert: Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft: March 8 (link)
Selection: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Previous selections: 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 DeAndre Baker is a decent value at No. 26 overall. Baker had a terrific 2017 campaign, showing great athleticism. He was great last season as well, especially against LSU."
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Expert: Josh Norris, Rotoworld
Date of mock draft: March 8 (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: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: March 8 (link)
Selection: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
Previous selections: Lonnie Johnson, CB, Kentucky; Byron Murphy, CB, Washington; A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss; Byron Murphy, CB, Washington; Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Analysis: "Brown is well-built, has 4.49 speed, can win in contested catch situations and is a running back after the catch. Ideal fit in Frank Reich's system to complement T.Y. Hilton."
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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: Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: March 7 (link)
Selection: Dexter Lawrence, DL, Clemson
Previous selections: Kelvin Harmon, WR, N.C. State
Analysis: "Lawrence's quickness and size gives the Colts a stout force in the middle."
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Expert: Jake Arthur, Colts.com
Date of mock draft: March 6 (link)
Selection: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Analysis: "Chris Ballard said this offseason that pass rush will always be a cornerstone for the Colts. They finished 19th in the league with 38 sacks last season, and they were unable to pressure Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes consistently enough when they were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Logic says the Colts will certainly continue to address that area.The Colts invested in Kemoko Turay and Tyquan Lewis in last year's draft, and Ferrell would give them an outstanding trio of young pass rushers. He constantly finds himself in the opponent's backfield, and his blend of quickness, power and pass-rush moves should make him available to play immediately."
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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: Nate Davis, USA TODAY
Date of mock draft: March 6 (link)
Selection: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
Analysis: "He was built (built himself?) to shine at the combine, but Metcalf's eye-popping physical attributes didn't amount to much college production. But his 4.3 speed and massive frame (6-3, 228) might make him an ideal foil to T.Y. Hilton."
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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: Luke Easterling, DraftWire
Date of mock draft: March 5 (link)
Selection: Jerry Tillery, DL, Notre Dame
Previous selections: 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: "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: Doug Farrar, TouchdownWire
Date of mock draft: March 5 (link)
Selection: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Previous selections: N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: "While I love the idea of giving Andrew Luck another great receiver in the first round, Luck might benefit just as much from a defense that could terrify a few more opposing quarterbacks. Perhaps the most gifted member of Clemson's ridiculously stacked defensive line, Ferrell would bring impressive strength and speed to an edge rotation that could use a power boost."
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Expert: Vinny Iyer, Sporting News
Date of mock draft: March 5 (link)
Selection: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Previous selections: N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: "The Colts are set to lose another breakout cornerback with Pierre Desir hitting free agency. Baker would give them a smart, physical, press coverage presence to compensate. He backed up his size (5-11, 193 pounds) with good speed at the Combine."
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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: Danny Kelly, The Ringer
Date of mock draft: March 5 (link)
Selection: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Analysis: "Savvy coverage defender with nimble feet, easy agility, and terrific ball skills."
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Expert: Nick Klopsis, Newsday
Date of mock draft: March 5 (link)
Selection: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Previous selections: Kelvin Harmon, WR, N.C. State
Analysis: "The Colts don't have too many glaring needs, but they could use someone who can provide pressure up the middle. Christian Wilkins has the size and athleticism to be an excellent upfield-attacking lineman in any front."
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Expert: Matt Miller, Bleacher Report
Date of mock draft: March 5 (link)
Selection: Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson
Previous selections: N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: "Every now and then, a player is an ideal fit for a team and is also slotted to be drafted where they pick. That's the case for Christian Wilkins and the Indianapolis Colts. Wilkins, who played 3-technique at Clemson, is the kind of interior pass-rusher missing from the Indianapolis defense. Depending on what the Colts do with their NFL-high $106.4 million in projected salary-cap space (via Over the Cap), Wilkins would also fill the team's biggest need. Grabbing a high-impact, high-character player who can be a day one starter is the exact type of move general manager Chris Ballard would make."
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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: Peter Schrager, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: Feb. 28 (link)
Selection: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
Analysis: "Jacobs ranked 144th in the nation in 2018 with 640 rushing yards, though a limited college workload means he still has plenty of tread on his tires. A groin ailment might keep him from completely showing his wares in Indy, but it's a safe bet Alabama's pro day will draw an NFL decision-maker or 32. He has all the measurables pro teams covet, can return kicks and comes in with a great reputation as a teammate."
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Expert: Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: Feb. 27 (link)
Selection: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Previous selections: N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Analysis: "The Jim Thorpe award winner would immediately upgrade the Colts' secondary. Speed is a question, but his instincts, awareness and takeaway skills make him a nice fit in the Colts' scheme."
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Expert: R.J. White, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: Feb. 27 (link) [NOTE: R.J. White has the Colts acquiring the No. 21-overall pick from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for the No. 26- and No. 90-overall selections]
Selection: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Previous selections: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson; D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss; Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Analysis: "With zero receivers coming off the board in the top 20, the Colts have the opportunity to sacrifice a late third-rounder to move up and get whoever is their top WR in the draft. The general feeling is that Metcalf is slightly ahead of a talented pack of worthy late-first, early-second round players at the position."
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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: 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: 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: 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: 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."