Five names for Colts fans to watch out for at the NFL Draft
The 2017 NFL Draft is just two months away, and the Indianapolis Colts hold the 15th overall selection.
New general manager Chris Ballard will be expected to take an impact player with the 15th overall selection. Sitting in the middle of the pack, the Colts will have to see how the top half of the draft unfolds. But history lately has been on the side of whoever selects 15th.
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Skipping last year (2016) simply because the table is still out on them; but the three previous drafts have seen Ryan Shazier, Bruce Irvin and Melvin Gordan all taken at 15. Both Gordan and Shazier have already made the Pro Bowl. And Irvin has developed into one of the best pass rushers in the league.
Drafting in the NFL Draft is like having a scratch-off lotto ticket. You always want to hit that home run, and drafting in the middle of the pack is not as bad as it sounds. Generally teams drafting in the top 10 have major holes. Not saying that Colts don’t (pass rush, middle linebacker) but not as bad as other teams.
This is usually when teams tend to reach on players, and allow players like Aaron Donald (2014) to slide. So here are five names for Colts fans to keep an eye on draft night.
5. Tim Williams
Williams might be the second best pass rusher available. The Alabama outside linebacker is one of the fastest players off the snap that I have seen since Dwight Freeney.
4. Reuben Foster
Another Alabama defensive player. This time however, Foster is the most complete linebacker in this draft class. Foster is a middle linebacker that can play and lead as defense for the next decade. This is more of a wish here however as he is slotted right now as a top 10 pick.
There is always the chance he slides however, and that would be a dream for Colts fans.
3. Dalvin Cook
Cook is the most exploside running back in this draft class. Cook helped put Florida State back on the map and was a Heisman candidate over the last two seasons. Running back is not a coveted spot in the league like it used to be, but if he slides this far Ballard will have to consider him.
2. Derek Barnett
The defensive end from Tennessee has quietly rose up on a lot of draft boards recently. His 32 sacks broke the all-time school record held by Reggie White. He never gives up on a play, but will need some work in the run game.
1. Solomon Thomas
You likely have yet to hear about Thomas, but you will come draft night. the 6’2″ 275 pound defensive end took over after Henry Anderson left. And while I love Anderson and his future, Solomon’s ceiling is higher.
Thomas can play anywhere along the line, but is an ideal fit in the 5-technique in the Colts defensive scheme. The question here however is how far can he slide on draft night?
There is a good chance that he might be gone by the time the Colts select at 15, but defensive ends usually slide on draft night.
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