INDIANAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Colts have the 13th-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. We continue taking a look at which players the various experts believe will land in Indianapolis in this week's Mock Draft Monday.
Here's this week's breakdown by player:
- Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon: 6 selections
- Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: 6 selections
- CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma: 5 selections
- Jordan Love, QB, Utah State: 5 selections
- Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn: 4 selections
- Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama: 4 selections
- K'Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU: 2 selections
- A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa: 2 selections
- Mekhi Becton, T, Louisville: 1 selection
- Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: 1 selection
- Josh Jones, T, Houston: 1 selection
- Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: 1 selection
- Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado: 1 selection
Let's get to the mock drafts, sorted by date:
-----
Selection: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Expert: Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft: March 16 (link)
Analysis: "The Colts could use an upgrade on the inside of their defensive line. Kinlaw would improve their interior rush and help stop the run. Kinlaw was superb for the Gamecocks in 2019, totaling 35 tackles, six sacks and two passes defended. The big defensive tackle broke out in 2018 with 4.5 sacks, 10 tackles for a loss and 38 tackles. The first thing that stands out about Kinlaw (6-5, 315) is his size. He is a tall, thick and good-looking athlete. After passing the eyeball test, one can see some special ability as Kinlaw really fires off the ball. He is quick to close and has strength to fight off blockers. Kinlaw gets in trouble when he stands up too high and working on his technique will help him to get more out of his excellent skill set. The junior college product has a lot of upside and has the size to play a variety of techniques in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense."
-----
Selection: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Expert: Dan Kadar, SB Nation
Date of mock draft: March 16 (link)
Analysis: "The Colts are pressing to get a veteran quarterback this offseason, which could allow them to pass on the position in the first round. Combining a proven quarterback and a receiver like Jeudy should help the Colts get back into the playoffs."
-----
Selection: K'Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU
Expert: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: March 16 (link)
Analysis: "The Colts need to upgrade their pass rush and GM Chris Ballard loves athletes like Chaisson, who is bendy and explosive around the edge and has the ability to take over games. He'll probably need to add some weight at the next level."
-----
Selection: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Expert: Josh Edwards, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: March 14 (link)
Analysis: "Jeudy gives Indianapolis another explosive element to their offense. They become less reliant on the usually reliable T.Y. Hilton by adding the soundest technician at the wide receiver position."
-----
Selection: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Expert: Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: March 14 (link)
Analysis: _"They have to get help on the other side to go with T.Y. Hilton. With Jeudy, Hilton and Paris Campbell, they will have a nice trio for whoever plays quarterback." _
-----
Selection: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Expert: DraftTek.com
Date of mock draft: March 12 (link)
Analysis: _"Once again I have the Colts selecting South Carolina's Javon Kinlaw, who I've been sold on for quite a few weeks. Other than Chase Young, Isaiah Simmons, (who could be within reach of a Colts' trade) and Joe Burrow (who wouldn't) I can't think of a better, fundamentally solid pick for the Colts. This kid can play all over the defensive front and potential cause pure mayhem. 1-gap or 2-gap, doesn't matter, just line him up somewhere and let him go! He had around 40 QB pressures during the 2019 season, and that's playing mostly against the talent lining up across from him in the SEC. Incredibly strong, powerful, long and quick, Kinlaw could provide Indy with the kind of versatility up front that they've been looking for these past few years. Kinlaw, along with Kemoko Turay, who gave us a glimpse of what his future could be at Defensive End. The Colts will likely part ways with some DL veterans (Jabaal Sheard, Justin Houston and Denico Autry) who are aging and at the end of contracts. But Kinlaw would be an incredible addition given his potential, talent and his desire to complete an incredible life journey that defies imagination. Indy's GM, Chris Ballard, could seek help in Free Agency if they're not planning on using multiple selections for DL in the draft. At any rate, the focus on the interior portion of the defensive line is the priority - outside of a RD1 QB selection." _
-----
Selection: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Expert: Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft: March 11 (link)
Analysis: "You can never have enough dominant pass rushers, and the Colts could opt to use an early draft pick on a successor for Justin Houston. They could also find a stud in the interior of their defensive front, and filling that area would allow them to take the best player available. Javon Kinlaw is a great athlete, and he has been a major disruptor in 2019. He dominated the Senior Bowl, just like Aaron Donald did six years ago."
-----
Selection: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Expert: Luke Easterling, The Draft Wire
Date of mock draft: March 11 (link)
Analysis: None
-----
Selection: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Expert: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: March 11 (link)
Analysis: "The Colts love the idea of Ruggs as a downfield option who can also hit big plays on short, horizontal routes in Frank Reich's system."
-----
Selection: Mekhi Becton, T, Louisville
Expert: Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: March 10 (link)
Analysis: "With Anthony Castonzo opting to return for the 2020 campaign after contemplating retirement this offseason, the Colts grab an ultra-athletic edge blocker to provide insurance and a successor at the position."
-----
Selection: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Expert: Kevin Hanson, MMQB
Date of mock draft: March 10 (link)
Analysis: "Injuries limited the trio of T.Y. Hilton, Devin Funchess and Parris Campbell to 18 combined games in 2019. Funchess is an impending free agent and the 30-year-old Hilton is entering the final year of his contract. Given the incredible depth in this year's wide receiver class, some teams may wait on the position as the Colts get their choice of receivers. Scoring 26 touchdowns in 27 games over the past two seasons, Lamb isn't a burner, but he has outstanding hands, body control and run-after-catch ability."
-----
Selection: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Expert: Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY
Date of mock draft: March 10 (link)
Analysis: "Amid speculation from his own ex-teammates and outside observers, quarterback Philip Rivers has frequently been linked with the Colts this offseason. Signing the 38-year-old, however, wouldn't prohibit Indianapolis from using its first-round pick on a passer, particularly if Herbert were to be available. GM Chris Ballard has repeatedly taken the long view on team building, and picking up a rocket-armed signal-caller — albeit one with bouts of inconsistency and questionable decision-making — would settle one of the biggest questions for Indianapolis if Rivers comes aboard."
-----
Selection: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Expert: R.J. White, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: March 10 (link)
Analysis: "With the Jaguars as a possible QB team at No. 9 and the Bucs lurking as a potential trade-up team after fixing the position in the short term with Philip Rivers, the Colts get aggressive, giving up No. 13 and 44 while also getting back a fourth-rounder."
Notes of interest: White has the Colts trading up to acquire the No. 8-overall pick from the Arizona Cardinals
-----
Selection: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Expert: Eric Eager and George Chahrouri, Pro Football Focus
Date of mock draft: March 9 (link)
Analysis: "With Eric Ebron leaving and 2019 draft pick Parris Campbell a bit slow to come on as a complement to T.Y. Hilton, the Colts are in need of a receiver who can play a very effective No. 2 role but can still have games in which he puts up No. 1-like numbers — a player like Robert Woods of the Los Angeles Rams, for example. Luckily, Woods is one of Shenault's comps at the next level."
-----
Selection: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Expert: Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: March 6 (link)
Analysis: "If the Colts are unable to get their quarterback here, then landing the draft's top defensive tackle is a nice consolation prize."
-----
Selection: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Expert: Will Brinson, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: March 5 (link)
Analysis: "The Colts will do backflips to land Brown here (or Kinlaw, either one) and although I kind of wanted to give them a wideout to pair with presumed addition Philip Rivers, it makes more sense to improve their defense further."
-----
Selection: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Expert: Forrest N. Long, The Huddle Report
Date of mock draft: March 5 (link)
Analysis: "Brissett is not the long term answer at QB and Love is rising up the draft boards."
-----
Selection: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Date of mock draft: March 4 (link; subscription required)
Analysis: "A quarterback should not be ruled out here, regardless of whether the Colts sign a veteran like Philip Rivers prior to the draft. But whoever is under center needs more weapons and Jeudy and his electric play speed would fill a substantial need."
-----
Selection: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Expert: Cynthia Frelund, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: March 4 (link)
Analysis: "With the O-line and run-concept mastery the Colts already boast, the opportunity to draft a quarterback who profiles like Herbert creates more upside than downside. His 52:7 TD-to-INT ratio from a clean pocket since 2018 (PFF) sparkles. Herbert's film shows a lot of screen passes (1,213 yards since 2018, second-most among FBS quarterbacks) and attempts behind the line of scrimmage (114 in 2019, third-most in FBS). It also shows 32 drops by his receivers last season (sixth-most in FBS, per PFF). What's my main takeaway? The clean-pocket information helps show what the potential is, while the other notes give clues to the situation he was in at Oregon. And I should mention that his upside probability gets better if he doesn't need to start right away."
-----
Selection: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Expert: Josh Norris, Rotoworld
Date of mock draft: March 4 (link)
Analysis: "I bet Chris Ballard prioritizes his defensive front in free agency, possibly landing a player like Javon Hargrave. Until then a player of Kinlaw's skillset makes so much sense. He's the type of interior lineman who record four or five snaps of absolutely wrecking an offense's plan, and that impact trickles down to all levels of the team's defense."
-----
Selection: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Expert: Nate Davis, USA TODAY
Date of mock draft: March 3 (link)
Analysis: "As if his production wasn't intriguing enough – 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 TDs while teamed with Burrow in 2019 – his 4.43 40 in Indy also answered any questions about his ability to break games open. No matter who's throwing passes for the Colts in 2020, they need somebody to pair with T.Y. Hilton outside – though Jefferson can also operate from the slot."
-----
Selection: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Expert: Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports
Date of mock draft: March 3 (link)
Analysis: "Colts GM Chris Ballard was all but telling the media at the combine that they're going to draft a defensive lineman. We didn't expect it to play out quite like this, with a top-eight talent falling to this point. Perhaps Brown's disappointing combine workout will benefit the Colts. They need more help up front, and Brown is the type of bull-strong, high-character, high-motor prospect Ballard drools over to build his roster."
-----
Selection: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Expert: Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: March 3 (link)
Analysis: "With the Raiders ahead of them, and all their favorite QBs off the board, the Colts move ahead of Las Vegas to get the top WR on their board."
Notes of interest: Easterling has the Colts trading up to acquire the No. 11-overall pick from the New York Jets
-----
Selection: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer
Date of mock draft: March 3 (link)
Analysis: "Tall, strong-armed pocket passer with the tools to develop into a quality starter; needs to improve consistency and decision-making to tap into his potential"
-----
Selection: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: March 2 (link)
Analysis: "I believe the Colts will bring in a veteran QB (likely Philip Rivers), and that will allow Love plenty of time to develop."
-----
Selection: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Expert: Todd McShay, ESPN
Date of mock draft: March 2 (link; ESPN Insider access required)
Analysis: "In the first season since Andrew Luck shockingly retired, the Colts' passing game averaged 194.3 yards per game, third-worst in the league, under Jacoby Brissett. Luck had them at No. 6 in the NFL the previous season, and the aerial attack flameout left the Colts at 7-9 in a division that featured two playoff teams. A change under center is likely needed. Brissett has another year on his deal, and that'll be important. Herbert needs a little more time. The 6-6 gunslinger tested well at the combine and lit up the Senior Bowl in January, but consistency concerns haven't gone away. He has the physical traits you want in a quarterback, including a big arm and mobility, but questions about whether he can lead an NFL offense explain why Herbert is available to the Colts at No. 13."
-----
Selection: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Expert: Matt Miller, Bleacher Report
Date of mock draft: March 2 (link)
Analysis: "General manager Chris Ballard has been a master at accumulating draft picks and has done well selecting impact players in his short tenure running the Colts, but after Andrew Luck's retirement and the up-and-down play of Jacoby Brissett last year, Ballard has to make a move at quarterback. With three selections in the first two rounds, the Colts can invest No. 13 overall on the future of the quarterback position and still fill key needs with extra picks. Jordan Love is a smart, athletic, strong-armed quarterback who struggled with turnovers on a bad Utah State team in 2019. With a new head coach and most of his weapons gone, Love forced his way to 17 interceptions. But teams are falling for his arm strength and ability to make off-schedule throws and win while on the move. As the NFL continues to evolve at quarterback, Love's positives fit the mold teams want. Potentially throwing a wrench into the Love plan would be a signing of Philip Rivers in free agency. While with the Chargers, Rivers was adamant about the team not drafting his replacement until he was gone, so it would be interesting to see if that same ultimatum exists in Indianapolis."
-----
Selection: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Expert: Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus
Date of mock draft: March 2 (link)
Analysis: "The Colts got to see firsthand what Ceedee would look like in Lucas Oil over the weekend, and the Oklahoma wideout didn't disappoint. After some questioned how he'd test athletically, Lamb put up a 4.5 40 and was more than solid across the board. Lamb's ability to win at the intermediate range would be massive if the rumors of Philip Rivers to Indy come true."
-----
Selection: Josh Jones, T, Houston
Expert: Austin Gayle, Pro Football Focus
Date of mock draft: Feb. 24 (link)
Analysis: "After Thomas and Wills, Jones is PFF's third-best offensive tackle and No. 14 overall player in the 2020 NFL Draft. With Anthony Castonzo's future with the franchise in question, the time to invest in talented offensive tackles is now for Indianapolis. Jones finished the 2019 season ranked second among all FBS offensive linemen with 400-plus offensive snaps in overall grade at 93.2. He also put on a show while playing multiple positions in the practices leading up to the 2020 Reese's Senior Bowl."
-----
Selection: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Expert: Joe Marino, The Draft Network
Date of mock draft: Feb. 24 (link)
Analysis: "Indianapolis saw first-hand how the addition of a blue-chip prospect can transform an offensive line with the drafting of Quenton Nelson in 2018. Derrick Brown is capable of making a similar impact on the defensive line with his relentless style of play, athletic ability and power. Having franchise cornerstones on the trenches both offensively and defensively will help the Colts get back on track in an AFC South that produced two playoff teams in 2019."
Notes of interest: Marino has the Colts trading up to acquire the No. 7-overall pick from the Carolina Panthers
-----
Selection: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Expert: The Athletic Beat Writers
Date of mock draft: Feb. 24 (link; subscription required)
Analysis: "In the end, it's Love's upside that lures the Colts in. Andrew Luck's sudden retirement in late August gave Jacoby Brissett his shot, but Brissett's sharp regression over the second half of the season made the starting quarterback position the Colts' most glaring need heading into 2020. In Love the Colts find a young QB, dripping in athleticism and arm talent, who could use a year of polish. He'll get as much under Frank Reich, and Love will be walking into as good a situation a young quarterback could hope for: he'll have one of the best play-callers in football in his ear, one of the best offensive lines in the game in front of him and a dynamic running back to hand the ball off to. --Zak Keefer
What the Colts would be getting with Love: There is a lot to like about Love, from his measurables (6-4, 225) to his arm strength (50 completions of at least 30 yards in the past two seasons). But he enters the draft off a disappointing junior season playing under a new staff. Love's pass efficiency rating dropped from 158.3 to 129.1, his total TDs fell from 39 to 20 and his interceptions increased from six to 17 (most in the FBS). His marvelous sophomore season shows his potential, but he'll need to prove he can make far better decisions than he did as a junior. --Dave Southorn, college football writer"
-----
Selection: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
Expert: Doug Farrar, The Draft Wire
Date of mock draft: Feb. 20 (link)
Analysis: "The Colts come into the 2020 offseason with $86,162,964 in cap space, so their ability to be big players in free agency with all that cash makes their draft strategy highly interesting. What we do know is that outside of Justin Houston, who put up 11 sacks and 60 total pressures for Indy last season, there aren't a lot of true pressure artists on the roster. Linebacker Darius Leonard finished second with five sacks, but he's just as valuable in coverage and stopping the run. Epenesa would bring a lot to coordinator Matt Eberflus' defense, because at 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds, he can add pressure around the edge and by using inside moves. He'd be a great fit with one of the more highly regarded defensive staffs in the league."
-----
Selection: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Expert: Nick Klopsis, Newsday
Date of mock draft: Feb. 19 (link)
Analysis: "The Colts had several guys perform admirably amid injuries to T.Y. Hilton and Devin Funchess, but more depth is needed. Lamb's 6-3 frame and excellent body control help him make tough, contested catches, and he also has enough quickness to create separation off the snap."
-----
Selection: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Expert: Charley Casserly, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: Feb. 18 (link)
Analysis: "D-line and wideout are the Colts' top needs. If they can solve their QB question in free agency, the aerial attack could take off in a hurry, given the immense talent at receiver in this draft class. A 1-2 punch of T.Y. Hilton and Lamb sounds pretty potent."
-----
Selection: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Expert: Mel Kiper, ESPN
Date of mock draft: Feb. 18 (link; ESPN Insider access required)
Analysis: "The Colts, a surprise playoff team in 2018, took a step backward last season, but it wasn't just on the offense. No, Jacoby Brissett wasn't Andrew Luck, but injuries decimated Brissett's receiving core. And injuries hurt the defense too, with Darius Leonard, Kenny Moore II, Malik Hooker and Jabaal Sheard among the starters who missed time. The result was a league-average unit overall but one that allowed quarterbacks to complete 70.1% of their passes, which ranked 31st in the league. This defense needs depth. The Colts could target a corner here, but this might be Kinlaw's floor, and he'll help the back end of the defense, too. A massive, 6-6 interior penetrator, Kinlaw was one of the best prospects in the Senior Bowl."
-----
Selection: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Expert: Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: Feb 11 (link)
Analysis: "Herbert's big arm and high football IQ will allow him to make smart decisions while stretching the field for the Indy offense."
-----
Selection: K'Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU
Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Date of mock draft: Jan. 29 (link)
Analysis: "If Indy loves Jordan Love, he could be the guy here, but Chaisson fits the rush profile the Colts covet. The redshirt sophomore has exciting potential."
-----
Selection: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
Expert: Jason McIntyre, Fox Sports
Date of mock draft: Jan. 24 (link)
Analysis: "They'd love for Kinlaw to fall here, and it's interesting to come up with a receiver in this spot, but Indy's sack leader (Justin Houston) just turned 31 and has had a spotty injury history."
-----
Selection: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Expert: Ben Standig, The Athletic
Date of mock draft: Jan. 20 (link; subscription required)
Analysis: "Jacoby Brissett held up nicely after Andrew Luck's sudden retirement and helped keep the Colts in playoff contention, but going quarterback here seems plausible. Both of Indianapolis' top tight ends are heading into free agency. That's not a Day 1 consideration this year. The Colts defense could use an interior line threat or edge rusher."
