Top Prospects In Areas Of Need

[Track Guy]

I think it's no big secret that our pass rush is lacking. I also believe our offensive line, secondary, and inside linebacking groups should be bolstered in the offseason. I thought it would be an interesting exercise to just sort of lay out the top fits for our team that midway through the season I think may be available (may being the key word as the draft is unpredictable and still very far away) when we're on the clock at different points in the draft - as well as what position/role they'd fit in on the Colts. So here they are (in no real order within the sections):

 

Offensive Lineman

 

1st Round Prospects

• Jack Conklin, Michigan St. RT (immediate starter at RT, lockdown tackle)

 

2nd Round Prospects

• Taylor Decker, Ohio St. RT (realistic chance he's gone in round 1, but I'd gladly take him in 2)
• Jason Spriggs, Indiana OT (same as Decker)
• Nick Martin, Notre Dame  C/G (versatile interior O-lineman, currently plays C, brother of Zack)
• Vadal Alexander, LSU RG
• Joe Dahl, Washington St. LG (natural left guard athleticism, but could probably play RG or C)
• Josh Garnett, Stanford G (has been a true road grader this season)

 

3rd Round Prospects

• Tyler Marz, Wisconsin RT/G
• Kyle Murphy, Standford RT/G
• Pat Elfein, Ohio St. G
• Cody Whitehair, Kansas St. G
• Evan Boehm, Missouri C
• Isaac Seumalo, Oregon St. C/G (versatile interior O-lineman, with lots of experience at C)

 

Day 3 Prospects

• Joey Hunt, TCU C
• Joe Haeg, North Dakota St. OT

 

Linebackers

 

Round 1 Prospects

• Myles Jack, UCLA ILB (has been compared to Derrick Brooks)
• Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame ILB/OLB (highly athletic, may have less of a chance at being on the board here)
• Carl Lawson, Auburn OLB (durability concerns, but probably the most explosive draft eligible pass rusher in college football)

 

Round 2 Prospects

• Darron Lee, Ohio St. OLB (probably goes in the top 40 but could slip, has some Shazier in him)
• Shilique Calhoun, Michigan St. OLB (same as Lee minus the Shazier comp)
• Jordan Jenkins, Georgia OLB
• Jonathan Allen, Alabama OLB
• Shaq Lawson, Clemson OLB (not yet positive of his scheme fit with us but he's a talented player)
• Yannick Ngakoue, Maryland OLB
• Scooby Wright, Arizona ILB

 

Round 3 Prospects

• Joe Schobert, Wisconsin OLB (measurables/combine will effect his stock largely)
• Tyler Matakevich, Temple ILB
• Joshua Perry, Ohio St. OLB

 

Day 3 Prospects

• Kris Frost, Auburn ILB
• Steven Daniels, Boston College ILB
• Dadi Nicolas, Virginia Tech OLB (has been largely overrated, but could be justified as a late round project)

 

Secondary

 

Round 1 Prospects

• TreDavious White, LSU CB (immediate starter at CB2)

 

Round 2 Prospects

• Nate Andrews, Florida St. S
• Will Jackson, Houston CB (should play on the outside, he's got the length)
• Desmond King, Iowa CB
• Vonn Bell, Ohio St. S
• Tony Conner, Ole Miss FS
• Jeremy Cash, Duke SS
• KeiVarae Russell, Notre Dame CB

 

Round 3 Prospects

• Will Redmond, Mississippi St. CB (I've dropped him a round due to injury, love his short area quickness)
• Jalen Mills, LSU FS (has experience at CB too)
• Kevon Seymour, USC CB

 

Day 3 Prospects

• Zack Sanchez, Oklahoma CB
• Eric Murray, Minnesota CB
• Harlan Miller, SE Louisiana CB

[colts4ever4]

 

I think it's no big secret that our pass rush is lacking. I also believe our offensive line, secondary, and inside linebacking groups should be bolstered in the offseason. I thought it would be an interesting exercise to just sort of lay out the top fits for our team that midway through the season I think may be available (may being the key word as the draft is unpredictable and still very far away) when we're on the clock at different points in the draft - as well as what position/role they'd fit in on the Colts. So here they are (in no real order within the sections):

 

Offensive Lineman

 

1st Round Prospects

• Jack Conklin, Michigan St. RT (immediate starter at RT, lockdown tackle)

 

2nd Round Prospects

• Taylor Decker, Ohio St. RT (realistic chance he's gone in round 1, but I'd gladly take him in 2)
• Jason Spriggs, Indiana OT (same as Decker)
• Nick Martin, Notre Dame  C/G (versatile interior O-lineman, currently plays C, brother of Zack)
• Vadal Alexander, LSU RG
• Joe Dahl, Washington St. LG (natural left guard athleticism, but could probably play RG or C)
• Josh Garnett, Stanford G (has been a true road grader this season)

 

3rd Round Prospects

• Tyler Marz, Wisconsin RT/G
• Kyle Murphy, Standford RT/G
• Pat Elfein, Ohio St. G
• Cody Whitehair, Kansas St. G
• Evan Boehm, Missouri C
• Isaac Seumalo, Oregon St. C/G (versatile interior O-lineman, with lots of experience at C)

 

Day 3 Prospects

• Joey Hunt, TCU C
• Joe Haeg, North Dakota St. OT

 

Linebackers

 

Round 1 Prospects

• Myles Jack, UCLA ILB (has been compared to Derrick Brooks)
• Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame ILB/OLB (highly athletic, may have less of a chance at being on the board here)
• Carl Lawson, Auburn OLB (durability concerns, but probably the most explosive draft eligible pass rusher in college football)

 

Round 2 Prospects

• Darron Lee, Ohio St. OLB (probably goes in the top 40 but could slip, has some Shazier in him)
• Shilique Calhoun, Michigan St. OLB (same as Lee minus the Shazier comp)
• Jordan Jenkins, Georgia OLB
• Jonathan Allen, Alabama OLB
• Shaq Lawson, Clemson OLB (not yet positive of his scheme fit with us but he's a talented player)
• Yannick Ngakoue, Maryland OLB
• Scooby Wright, Arizona ILB

 

Round 3 Prospects

• Joe Schobert, Wisconsin OLB (measurables/combine will effect his stock largely)
• Tyler Matakevich, Temple ILB
• Joshua Perry, Ohio St. OLB

 

Day 3 Prospects

• Kris Frost, Auburn ILB
• Steven Daniels, Boston College ILB
• Dadi Nicolas, Virginia Tech OLB (has been largely overrated, but could be justified as a late round project)

 

Secondary

 

Round 1 Prospects

• TreDavious White, LSU CB (immediate starter at CB2)

 

Round 2 Prospects

• Nate Andrews, Florida St. S
• Will Jackson, Houston CB (should play on the outside, he's got the length)
• Desmond King, Iowa CB
• Vonn Bell, Ohio St. S
• Tony Conner, Ole Miss FS
• Jeremy Cash, Duke SS
• KeiVarae Russell, Notre Dame CB

 

Round 3 Prospects

• Will Redmond, Mississippi St. CB (I've dropped him a round due to injury, love his short area quickness)
• Jalen Mills, LSU FS (has experience at CB too)
• Kevon Seymour, USC CB

 

Day 3 Prospects

• Zack Sanchez, Oklahoma CB
• Eric Murray, Minnesota CB
• Harlan Miller, SE Louisiana CB

 

hey i'm down with any of these choices just please no more Wrs in the first round

[MPStack]

Nice work here. IMO Rd 1 the Colts need a pass rusher first and foremost. I`d go RT in Rd 2.

[Defjamz26]

The latest BR article I saw had us picking at 14th overall. I think we have a better shot at getting a 2nd round pass rusher, and a top OT round 1.

You go OT then OLB if Conklin is there for us round 1. If not then you go OLB and then OT. Here some possible combos:

1. Jack Conklin

2. Shaq Lawson

1. Carl Lawson

2. Germain Ifedi

1. Emmanuel Ogbah

2. Vadal Alexander

[Track Guy]

The latest BR article I saw had us picking at 14th overall. I think we have a better shot at getting a 2nd round pass rusher, and a top OT round 1.

You go OT then OLB if Conklin is there for us round 1. If not then you go OLB and then OT. Here some possible combos:

1. Jack Conklin

2. Shaq Lawson

1. Carl Lawson

2. Germain Ifedi

1. Emmanuel Ogbah

2. Vadal Alexander

 

If we win the division (which strangely enough still seems more likely than anything else) we will pick 21st or later. All the teams that make the playoffs get the last 12 picks.

[Defjamz26]

If we win the division (which strangely enough still seems more likely than anything else) we will pick 21st or later. All the teams that make the playoffs get the last 12 picks.

I think in that scenario the author had the Texans winning the division. With games against the Broncos, Steelers, Falcons, and Bucs remaining the Colts are no lock to win the division. If the Texans can get 8 wins they might make it.

[Valpo2004]

I think ultimately we have to decide what the strategy is with Mewhort.  

 

Is he a guy we ultimately want to move out to RT when we can get a good replacement at LG or is he a guy that we want to leave at left guard and find ourselves a right tackle either in the draft or via free agency.

 

That affects our entire off-season strategy when it comes to the OL.

 

Personally I'm ok with sticking with Holmes at C and Thornton at RG.  So we need to either find a left guard or a RT.  

 

My guess is that because they put Reitz in at RT instead of at guard that they want to leave Mewhort as a left guard.  Otherwise I think they should have put Reitz at LG.

 

And honestly I'm not even sure the OL is a big problem right now outside if Reitz starting at RT.  

[Track Guy]

I think in that scenario the author had the Texans winning the division. With games against the Broncos, Steelers, Falcons, and Bucs remaining the Colts are no lock to win the division. If the Texans can get 8 wins they might make it.

The Texans are terrible. 8 wins would be awesome for them. But I guess it's no lock, because the Colts are pretty bad too (although I think they've still been a bit better than the Texans).

[Track Guy]

I think ultimately we have to decide what the strategy is with Mewhort.  

 

Is he a guy we ultimately want to move out to RT when we can get a good replacement at LG or is he a guy that we want to leave at left guard and find ourselves a right tackle either in the draft or via free agency.

 

That affects our entire off-season strategy when it comes to the OL.

 

Personally I'm ok with sticking with Holmes at C and Thornton at RG.  So we need to either find a left guard or a RT.  

 

My guess is that because they put Reitz in at RT instead of at guard that they want to leave Mewhort as a left guard.  Otherwise I think they should have put Reitz at LG.

 

And honestly I'm not even sure the OL is a big problem right now outside if Reitz starting at RT.  

 

I don't feel particularly confident at center. Not that I think Holmes can't be the guy moving forward, I just think he hasn't really proven himself enough to bank on him working out either. The draft class for centers looks stronger than usual this year, it may be worth addressing at some point, at least to give him some competition or plan for the future. 

 

As far as RT goes, yeah I'm not sure. Reitz is okay for the short term, but he's probably not the long term solution. If we wanted to try moving Mewhort at RT again, we could always take a guard in the second round of the draft (few guards are worth a day 1 pick, but you can find some really good ones in round 2. I think Dahl and Garnett are very intriguing guard prospects personally.) Of course if Jack Conklin was available in round 1 of the draft, we could keep Mewhort at guard and have an immediate starter, long term solution guy at RT. If we roll into next season with Castonzo and Reitz at tackle, we at least need to look for someone who could be a backup LT, as we don't really have one currently.

[Defjamz26]

I think ultimately we have to decide what the strategy is with Mewhort.

Is he a guy we ultimately want to move out to RT when we can get a good replacement at LG or is he a guy that we want to leave at left guard and find ourselves a right tackle either in the draft or via free agency.

That affects our entire off-season strategy when it comes to the OL.

Personally I'm ok with sticking with Holmes at C and Thornton at RG. So we need to either find a left guard or a RT.

My guess is that because they put Reitz in at RT instead of at guard that they want to leave Mewhort as a left guard. Otherwise I think they should have put Reitz at LG.

And honestly I'm not even sure the OL is a big problem right now outside if Reitz starting at RT.

You let Mewhort play the position he's best at, which might be LG. Don't try to force him to be the RT of the future, and then leave a hole at LG. Reitz is serviceable at RT for now.

Leave Thorton at RG for now too. We need a new center and a RT to take over for Reitz because he's only serviceable now, he won't be later. Also not sold on Holmes who couldn't beat out Samson Setele at C. This draft is deep at center. Would be a shame not to draft one.

But if Conklin is there round 1, we'll take him and probably immediately start him at RT. Or RG if Thorton loses out.

It really depends on who the new HC and GM will be though.

[Track Guy]

You let Mewhort play the position he's best at, which might be LG. Don't try to force him to be the RT of the future, and then leave a hole at LG. Reitz is serviceable at RT for now.

Leave Thorton at RG for now too. We need a new center and a RT to take over for Reitz because he's only serviceable now, he won't be later. Also not sold on Holmes who couldn't beat out Samson Setele at C. This draft is deep at center. Would be a shame not to draft one.

But if Conklin is there round 1, we'll take him and probably immediately start him at RT. Or RG if Thorton loses out.

It really depends on who the new HC and GM will be though.

 

Personally I suspect Mewhort would be a better RG than LG. RGs have to be better in 1-on-1 pass protection on the interior (where Mewhort is absolute money) where as LGs have to be better at pulling (which is a weakness for him). I thought he looked pretty good at RT and obviously he can more than hold his own at LG and his chemistry with Castonzo accounts for a lot there, but skill set wise I think he's an elite pass blocking RG.

[Defjamz26]

Personally I suspect Mewhort would be a better RG than LG. RGs have to be better in 1-on-1 pass protection on the interior (where Mewhort is absolute money) where as LGs have to be better at pulling (which is a weakness for him). I thought he looked pretty good at RT and obviously he can more than hold his own at LG and his chemistry with Castonzo accounts for a lot there, but skill set wise I think he's an elite pass blocking RG.

Possibly. But we know Thorton can't play LG. Moving Mewhort to RG would make a hole at LG and RT. It's pretty easy to find RGs in the draft though. LG not so much.

[Valpo2004]

I don't feel particularly confident at center. Not that I think Holmes can't be the guy moving forward, I just think he hasn't really proven himself enough to bank on him working out either. The draft class for centers looks stronger than usual this year, it may be worth addressing at some point, at least to give him some competition or plan for the future. 

 

As far as RT goes, yeah I'm not sure. Reitz is okay for the short term, but he's probably not the long term solution. If we wanted to try moving Mewhort at RT again, we could always take a guard in the second round of the draft (few guards are worth a day 1 pick, but you can find some really good ones in round 2. I think Dahl and Garnett are very intriguing guard prospects personally.) Of course if Jack Conklin was available in round 1 of the draft, we could keep Mewhort at guard and have an immediate starter, long term solution guy at RT. If we roll into next season with Castonzo and Reitz at tackle, we at least need to look for someone who could be a backup LT, as we don't really have one currently.

 

My thought on Holmes is mostly that I don't mind leaving him there for another season, not necessarily that I think he's a long term guy on this team.

 

Basically he's not performing so ugly bad that we have to replace him right now this offseason.  We can worry about a RT which Reitz is ugly at RT and then use our resources on other needs.  Pass rush, CB2, safety, RB . . . Honestly if you take RT out of the mix all of those things are much bigger needs then OL.  

[Jackie Daytona]

would LOVE Matakevich in round 3...... reminds me of Zach Thomas

[NewColtsFan]

 

I think it's no big secret that our pass rush is lacking. I also believe our offensive line, secondary, and inside linebacking groups should be bolstered in the offseason. I thought it would be an interesting exercise to just sort of lay out the top fits for our team that midway through the season I think may be available (may being the key word as the draft is unpredictable and still very far away) when we're on the clock at different points in the draft - as well as what position/role they'd fit in on the Colts. So here they are (in no real order within the sections):

 

Offensive Lineman

 

1st Round Prospects

• Jack Conklin, Michigan St. RT (immediate starter at RT, lockdown tackle)

 

2nd Round Prospects

• Taylor Decker, Ohio St. RT (realistic chance he's gone in round 1, but I'd gladly take him in 2)
• Jason Spriggs, Indiana OT (same as Decker)
• Nick Martin, Notre Dame  C/G (versatile interior O-lineman, currently plays C, brother of Zack)
• Vadal Alexander, LSU RG
• Joe Dahl, Washington St. LG (natural left guard athleticism, but could probably play RG or C)
• Josh Garnett, Stanford G (has been a true road grader this season)

 

3rd Round Prospects

• Tyler Marz, Wisconsin RT/G
• Kyle Murphy, Standford RT/G
• Pat Elfein, Ohio St. G
• Cody Whitehair, Kansas St. G
• Evan Boehm, Missouri C
• Isaac Seumalo, Oregon St. C/G (versatile interior O-lineman, with lots of experience at C)

 

Day 3 Prospects

• Joey Hunt, TCU C
• Joe Haeg, North Dakota St. OT

 

Linebackers

 

Round 1 Prospects

• Myles Jack, UCLA ILB (has been compared to Derrick Brooks)
• Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame ILB/OLB (highly athletic, may have less of a chance at being on the board here)
• Carl Lawson, Auburn OLB (durability concerns, but probably the most explosive draft eligible pass rusher in college football)

 

Round 2 Prospects

• Darron Lee, Ohio St. OLB (probably goes in the top 40 but could slip, has some Shazier in him)
• Shilique Calhoun, Michigan St. OLB (same as Lee minus the Shazier comp)
• Jordan Jenkins, Georgia OLB
• Jonathan Allen, Alabama OLB
• Shaq Lawson, Clemson OLB (not yet positive of his scheme fit with us but he's a talented player)
• Yannick Ngakoue, Maryland OLB
• Scooby Wright, Arizona ILB

 

Round 3 Prospects

• Joe Schobert, Wisconsin OLB (measurables/combine will effect his stock largely)
• Tyler Matakevich, Temple ILB
• Joshua Perry, Ohio St. OLB

 

Day 3 Prospects

• Kris Frost, Auburn ILB
• Steven Daniels, Boston College ILB
• Dadi Nicolas, Virginia Tech OLB (has been largely overrated, but could be justified as a late round project)

 

Secondary

 

Round 1 Prospects

• TreDavious White, LSU CB (immediate starter at CB2)

 

Round 2 Prospects

• Nate Andrews, Florida St. S
• Will Jackson, Houston CB (should play on the outside, he's got the length)
• Desmond King, Iowa CB
• Vonn Bell, Ohio St. S
• Tony Conner, Ole Miss FS
• Jeremy Cash, Duke SS
• KeiVarae Russell, Notre Dame CB

 

Round 3 Prospects

• Will Redmond, Mississippi St. CB (I've dropped him a round due to injury, love his short area quickness)
• Jalen Mills, LSU FS (has experience at CB too)
• Kevon Seymour, USC CB

 

Day 3 Prospects

• Zack Sanchez, Oklahoma CB
• Eric Murray, Minnesota CB
• Harlan Miller, SE Louisiana CB

 

 

Great job by you!

 

I suspect this list will get updated and more refined as the combine approaches......

 

New names will appear,  some will drop off.

 

And then things will get updated again after the combine and individual testing.....

 

Can't thank you enough!    

[COLTS449]

Right now my dream draft is Jack Conklin in the 1st, Jeremy Cash in the 2nd, then trade up to get Nick Martin. Yeah we'd have 2 rookies starting on the OL but IMO, both Conklin and Martin will be beast's from day 1 and our line would be in fixed assuming we also sign a guard in FA. And this is also assuming we have kinda early picks because Jeremy Cash wont go past the first 15 picks in the 2nd round if he even makes it that far. I think Cash can be a superstar safety.

[Defjamz26]

Shaq Lawson looks more like a day 1 prospect. I saw the Clemson and FSU game and that guy not only makes plays, but he's got a crazy motor. Leonard Floyd looks like a day 2 guy now.

Idk if you update your rankings or not but I thought it was worth noting

[RockThatBlue]

I really want the Colts to get Reggie Ragland