Expert: Todd McShay, ESPN
Date of mock draft: Dec. 13, 2017 (link)
Selection: Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State Analysis: "This team has needs all over, but it is one of the few in the top 10 that should be set at QB, with a (presumably) healthy Andrew Luck coming back next season. Without an offensive tackle worthy of such a high pick, I'm looking for edge help here. Chubb has a great skill set and a nonstop motor, and he has played his way into being a top-10 pick. He is a plug-and-play starter."
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Expert:
Dan Kadar, SBNation.com
Date of mock draft:Jan. 15 (link)
Selection:Saquon Barkley, running back, Penn State
Analysis:"This pick should still be a toss-up between Barkley and North Carolina State pass rusher Bradley Chubb. If it simply comes down to the best overall player, the edge slightly goes to Barkley."——————————Expert:Matt Miller, Bleacher Report
Date of mock draft:Jan. 15 (link)
Selection:Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis:"Bradley Chubb is special. At 6'4 ½", 275 pounds, he plays with a ridiculous amount of energy, agility and burst. As far as pure pass-rushers go, he's not quite on the level of former No. 1 picks Jadeveon Clowney or Myles Garrett, but he's right behind them. The Indianapolis Colts should be all about that. The Colts don't have a head coach yet so we can't speculate about how Chubb would fit into a scheme, but you can be comfortable in knowing he fits in every scheme. Whether it's as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 defensive end (think Joey Bosa), he's a fit. Chubb's talent and potential are special enough that he should be the first defensive player off the board*."
——————————*Expert: Luke Easterling, DraftWire
Date of mock draft:Jan. 10 (link)
Selection:Roquan Smith, linebacker, Georgia
Analysis:"Bradley Chubb should also receive strong consideration here, but I wouldn't be surprised if Smith edged him out. After an impressive regular season, Smith was a dominant force for the Bulldogs in both playoff games, anchoring one of the best defenses in the nation. The Colts desperately need a presence like that at the heart of their defense."——————————Expert:Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY Sports
Date of mock draft:Jan. 4 (link)
Selection:Saquon Barkley, running back, Penn State
Analysis:"Given its languid pass rush and offensive line that gave up a league-worst 56 sacks this season, Indianapolis might be hard-pressed to take a running back this high, especially in a deep class. Barkley, however, is the sort of do-everything weapon who can be a transformational piece and give quarterback Andrew Luck the help he'll need in a potential return. And it doesn't hurt his case that owner Jim Irsay recently advocated for giving Luck an "Edgerrin James type of player.""——————————Expert: Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft:Jan. 13 (link)
Selection:Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis:"Indianapolis has some nice edge rushers in Jabaal Sheard and John Simon, but neither is the elite talent Bradley Chubb happens to be. With Saquon Barkley off the board, Chubb is one of the two best players available. The Colts don't need a safety (Minkah Fitzpatrick), and it might be too early to select a guard (Quenton Nelson), so Chubb makes the most sense at No. 3 overall. Chubb steadily moved up my mock drafts during the season. At 6-4, 275, Chubb has a great blend of size and speed, and he's been dominant this season. There's some talk that Chubb is viewed as the top defensive prospect in NFL circles."——————————Expert: Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft:Jan. 12 (link)
Selection:Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis:"The Colts grab an edge defender who can be the building block for their defense and a potential franchise defensive player. Chubb totaled 73 tackles with 25 for a loss, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and two passes batted in 2017. He was awesome against Florida State, making some huge plays to lead N.C. State to a road upset with two sacks, a forced fumble and seven tackles. Chubb dominated the competition in 2017, playing like a top-10 pick. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Chubb has scheme flexibility and has been a tough defender for the Wolfpack. He has good quickness for a big defensive end and has shown the ability to get off blocks with his strength and hand usage. Chubb has developed some variety in pass-rushing moves and looks like an asset as a future three-down starter in the NFL. In 2016, he totaled 58 tackles with 22 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one pass batted. As a sophomore in 2015, Chubb collected 5.5 sacks."
