The good news is the Indianapolis Colts have a franchise quarterback with Andrew Luck. The bad news is they have one of the worst rosters in football and are led by a lame duck head coach Chuck Pagano. Chris Ballard takes over as the new general manager for the Colts and looks to retool in the draft. What can we expect from the Indianapolis Colts in the 2017 NFL Draft?
The Colts hold the 15th overall pick and could go in a number of different directions. I suspect the Colts could be one team that may take a running back in the first round. Dalvin Cook could be the one that becomes available. The Colts haven’t had a legitimate running game since the days of Edgerrin James. Cook kind of resembles the kind of running style as a downhill one-cut back. He also showed the ability to hit the homerun ball running a 4.49 – 40 time at the combine. The former Florida State back has some off the field issues but otherwise seems like a good fit.
Remember the days of Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney? The Colts desperately need to find someone that can go hunt the quarterback as their current pass rushing options are Jabaal Sheard and John Simon, who were both brought over via free agency. In the 2nd round (46th overall), Jordan Willis could be an option. Willis wrecked havoc at the Senior Bowl. Willis doesn’t have that explosion you look for but he is very technically sound. Willis is also a guy who can play in a 3-4 or 4-3 so he will be a key piece moving forward after Chuck Pagano gets fired after this season.
In the 3rd round, the Colts might take a tight end. Following the trade of Dwayne Allen to the Patriots, only Jack Doyle remains as Indy’s lone reliable option. Andrew Luck loves his tight ends so expect the Colts to target one at some point. Jordan Leggett from Clemson seems like a fit. Leggett, 6’6″ – 258, thrives as a blocker as well. Leggett isn’t one of the most athletic tight ends in the class but he has excellent hands and wins with his size. For more on Leggett, check out the combine notes.
