Mid-Round NFL Draft Targets Who Could Start in Year 1 for Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts aren't quite Super Bowl contenders just yet, but that could quickly change if general manager Ryan Grigson and the rest of the organization can find a few more starters in this year's NFL draft.

Despite making it all the way to the AFC Championship Game, the Colts were no match for the New England Patriots, losing 45-7 in an ugly game. The lack of defensive talent was a big reason for the team's struggles, but there were concerns on the other side of the ball as well.

Expect plenty of changes on the roster this offseason. According to OverTheCap.com, the Colts have an estimated $36.4 million in cap space, which gives them some room to bring in some key free agents. Meanwhile, the Colts also currently have draft picks in all seven rounds, including two in the sixth, which is refreshing after not having a first-round pick in last year's draft.

Grigson and the Colts front office have been able to find some key contributors in later rounds. Jonathan Newsome led all NFL rookies in sacks after going in the fifth round last year, and T.Y. Hilton has emerged as one of the most exciting wide receivers in the league after going in the third round back in 2012.

The 2015 NFL draft will give Grigson another chance to bring in much-needed talent on both sides of the ball, so let's take a look at some of the potential mid-round prospects who could start for the Colts in their first year in the league.

David Cobb, RB, Minnesota

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It looks like changes are coming to the running back position in Indianapolis. Trent Richardson faded away once the postseason began, and there's a chance he does not return in 2015. According to the team's official website, the Colts also parted ways with running backs coach David Walker on Monday.

Indianapolis may be tempted to bring in a guy like Melvin Gordon or Todd Gurley in the first round, but it would be wise to hold off and take a productive back later in the draft. Minnesota's David Cobb would be a great option for the Colts, providing them with a different skill set to pair with Ahmad Bradshaw if he returns.

Cobb has the build of an NFL running back at 5'11'' and 229 pounds. More importantly, he knows what to do with that size, making decisive cuts and keeping his legs moving to give him the momentum to push through defenders when he makes contact. There are concerns with how he will fare in pass protection, but he's the aggressive runner that the Colts need.

Depending on how early some of the top running backs go, Cobb could go as early as the second round or as late as the fourth. If he is still on the board when the Colts pick in the third round, they should consider drafting Cobb in order to gain a potential workhorse back for the future.

Andy Gallik, C, Boston College

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The Colts failed to find consistency at the center position this season, turning to A.Q. Shipley, Jonotthan Harrison and Khaled Holmes at various points throughout the year. Any one of those three could be the starter next year, but he could also be on his way out.

Instead, the Colts might want to look for an experienced center who is ready to play at the next level as a rookie. There aren't a lot of them in this year's draft, but Boston College's Andy Gallik looks like he could be a nice piece.

Gallik started all four seasons at Boston College, even helping anchor the second-best rushing offense in the nation in 2013. He doesn't have the biggest frame in this class at 6'2'' and 299 pounds, but that doesn't seem to bother him. He is an active and aggressive run-blocker, locking onto defenders before pushing them backward. 

Although Gallik is a bruiser in the trenches, agility and quickness are concerns. He's not the best blocker in open space and could struggle going against athletic NFL pass-rushers, which likely makes him a fourth- or fifth-round selection. However, Gallik possesses great awareness and instincts that help him in pass protection, and with the right coaching, he could be a great fit in the middle of the offensive line for Indianapolis.

Hayes Pullard, ILB, USC

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One of the bigger weaknesses on the Colts defense this past season was pass coverage in the middle of the field. According to Football Outsiders, the Colts ranked 27th in covering opposing tight ends and 31st in covering running backs.

D'Qwell Jackson and Jerrell Freeman were a big reason for this. The veteran Jackson is set to return in 2015, but Freeman is a restricted free agent, and there's a chance that someone else tries to bring him in. Even if both return, the team may still make changes at the position.

If the Colts want an inside linebacker who can drop back in coverage, USC's Hayes Pullard might just be their guy. A terrific athlete, he does a very nice job of turning his hips and sticking close to opposing receivers, especially in man coverage. His speed and accelerating help him close in on ball-carriers quickly, and he has the ball skills to jump passes thrown his way.

However, the drawback is that he's perhaps one of the least aggressive inside linebackers in this class, which likely makes him a Day 3 prospect. Pullard won't shoot through gaps and take down running backs, and he can sometimes get washed out of plays. A lot of this may be mental, and if anyone can make a defensive player more aggressive, it's Chuck Pagano.

Pullard has a lot of potential, and while he continues to learn to be a more effective linebacker against the run, he'll have Jackson next to him to help him out. If Freeman doesn't return, Pullard could quickly become a starter, and with his athleticism, his ceiling is pretty high.

Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas

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It was a year to forget for Darius Butler, who struggled on the field and dealt with injuries off it. Now that he's an unrestricted free agent, there's no guarantee that the Colts bring him back, as they could decide to look for a new slot cornerback this offseason.

There are plenty of intriguing cornerbacks in this draft class, but one who has caught my eye is Quandre Diggs out of Texas. For someone who is only 5'10'' and 204 pounds, Diggs plays like a much bigger corner. He's a fearless player who loves the opportunity to blitz and disrupt plays.

Because of his size, Diggs will have to find a home as a slot cornerback in the league. He'll have to drop some weight as well if he's going to keep up with slot receivers, but he has a terrific football IQ and consistently anticipates routes. His footwork is solid, but he'll have to work on not opening up his hips as much at the next level.

There's a lot to like about Diggs despite his size. A strong showing at the Senior Bowl, including an interception during the actual game, should help his draft stock, but his frame will probably still make him a third- or fourth-round pick. If the Colts don't sign Butler before the draft, cornerback will be a big need, and Diggs would be a promising replacement.

Jaquiski Tartt, SS, Samford

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LaRon Landry has been a disappointment for the Colts, and they need a new big body in the secondary to take on the role of run-stopper. Considering Landry is set to count for $13.5 million against the cap over the next two seasons, there's a chance that the Colts could take the cap hit and release him before 2015 (h/t Spotrac).

If the Colts want a new strong safety who specializes in wrapping up ball-carriers, then they'll be taking a very long look at Jaquiski Tartt. Although he comes from a small school in Samford, Tartt is anything but small. His 6'1'', 218-pound frame makes him one of the more intimidating defensive backs in this draft, and he uses his size to his advantage.

Tartt is able to move downhill and isn't timid when making contact. He rarely takes bad angles and won't try to bring opponents down with arm tackles. While he sometimes can be overaggressive in his pursuit, he doesn't let bad plays bring him down. Instead, he will continue to stay aggressive and do what he can to make up for it.

At the next level, Tartt is going to need to work on pass coverage. Right now, he's not an ideal safety to play deep containment, as he's been known to give up the deep ball by letting receivers get behind him. That's been a problem for Landry as well, but Tartt has time to become a more effective player in coverage. 

Because of his physical traits, someone may reach a bit for Tartt, but he'll still likely go in the fourth or fifth round. Considering how much the Colts struggled against the run in their final game against New England, a player like Tartt could give the run defense that Bob Sanders-like presence it's been missing.