Best Possible Outcomes for Indianapolis Colts' Top 3 Draft Picks
The Indianapolis Colts continue to "build the monster" this offseason, but after a busy free-agency period, the team still has some key needs that will need to be addressed in the 2015 NFL draft.
For the first time in what feels like forever, the Colts will have plenty of draft picks to work with in late April and early May. Picks in the first, second and third rounds could give the Colts some promising rookies that could make an immediate impact in their first seasons.
Of course, because of the Colts' success last season, they will be picking late in each round. That will open up plenty of possibilities, especially in the first round, if some big names start falling. Rather than focusing in on specific positions, the Colts could be in a good position to draft the best player available since they could use more help at just about every position.
There are plenty of possible combinations for the Colts' first three draft picks, so let's take a look at some of the best possible scenarios for Indianapolis now that the initial wave of free agency has subsided.
Scenario 1
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Round 1: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Round 2: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
Round 3: David Cobb, RB, Minnesota
Alabama's Landon Collins has been one of those prospects that no one can seem to agree on where he's going to go in the first round of this year's draft. The talent is there for him to be a potential top-10 pick, but teams may want to look at players at other positions before they address the safety position.
The Colts are in a situation where they can't afford to pass on Collins if he's there with the No. 29 pick. Along with being a proven run-stopper, Collins has the size and instincts to effectively cover NFL-caliber tight ends. If they could pair Collins with Mike Adams, the concerns about the safety position would go away in a hurry.
In the second round, the Colts could continue to add to their defense, this time on the defensive line. With Cory Redding now in Arizona, the Colts need as much help on the defensive line as they can get. To put the pressure on Josh Chapman as the starting nose tackle, the Colts could hope for Jordan Phillips to fall in the draft.
Phillips is an ideal run-stuffer in the middle of a 3-4 defense thanks to his massive 6'5'', 329-pound frame. He's not a complete prospect just yet, but Phillips has an incredibly high ceiling and could potentially become a long-term answer for the Colts on the defensive line.
In the third round, the Colts can add a No. 2 running back behind Frank Gore to give them an effective one-two punch. Minnesota's David Cobb is a physical and decisive runner who fits the Colts running scheme quite well. His ability to finish through contact and find the right gaps is something that recent Colts running backs have seemed to lack.
Scenario 2
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Round 1: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Round 2: Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
Round 3: Anthony Harris, SS, Virginia
One thing that became clear in 2014 was that the Colts need depth at the inside linebacker position. D'Qwell Jackson and Jerrell Freeman could only do so much, and Indianapolis needs an impact player at the position.
Enter Eric Kendricks.
While the UCLA standout might not be the biggest ILB at 6'0'' and 232 pounds, he plays like he's much larger, attacking the line of scrimmage with aggressiveness. With some time in the weight room, he could be an even more effective run-stopper. Kendricks is also an effective linebacker in man coverage.
Even with Gore, the Colts need to think about the future of the running back position. In the event that Tevin Coleman somehow drops to the late-second round, the team likely wouldn't hesitate to bring the former Hoosier in. Coleman is an explosive, big-play threat that could learn under Gore before taking over as the starter once the former 49ers back decides to call it quits.
Because of the need at safety, the Colts could use an option opposite of Adams in the third round. Anthony Harris is only 6'1'' and 183 pounds, but he's an instinctive safety that reads the run well and has great ball skills to break up passes and force turnovers.
Scenario 3
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Round 1: La'el Collins, OT, LSU
Round 2: Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State
Round 3: Jaquiski Tartt, SS, Samford
I'm not the biggest of fans of the Colts looking for offensive line help in the first round, but considering how Gosder Cherilus played last season, they might need to look at a new right tackle for the future.
If he's there with their first pick, La'el Collins would be a good fit for the Colts at right tackle. He might not be athletic or quick enough to play on the other side, but Collins is a flat-out mauler that could pave the way in the ground game.
With their second-round selection, Preston Smith would be an intriguing prospect to try to fill Redding's role. With long arms and an athletic frame, Smith has the potential to bulk up and be an effective 3-4 defensive end.
Some might think Jaquiski Tartt is a reach in the third round, but I think differently. Imagine a 6'1'', 221-pound strong safety paired with Adams. He'll still have to work on his coverage skills, but Tartt has the mentality and size to be an effective run-stopper from Day 1.
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Scenario 4
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Round 1: Paul Dawson, ILB, TCU
Round 2: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
Round 3: Kwon Alexander, OLB, LSU
In this scenario, the Colts decide to stack up on defensive prospects early on, and I think that would be wise. The defense has struggled to contain top-tier offenses in the past few seasons, but a draft like this might be able to change that.
If Kendricks is already off the board, the Colts could still get a promising inside linebacker in Paul Dawson. The former TCU star has a nose for the ball and the agility to get through or avoid offensive linemen. With his instincts and athleticism, there's a lot to like about Dawson.
Another defensive lineman that I'm a fan of in the second round is Michael Bennett. He's a quick player off the snap and makes sure to stay low in order to get leverage and gain ground. Bennett also plays with great technique and could fit well as a 3-4 defensive end for Indianapolis.
Kwon Alexander isn't a guy that's going to be an edge-rusher for a 3-4 defense, but he knows how to fill gaps and make tackles in the open field. The Colts need some more options at outside linebacker while Robert Mathis gets healthy, and Alexander has the tools to be an useful outside linebacker behind Erik Walden.
Scenario 5
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Round 1: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Round 2: Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville
Round 3: Jordan Hicks, ILB, Texas
Running back isn't as big a need for the Colts now that Gore is in the backfield, but from a long-term standpoint, they could use a prospect that could one day become their workhorse.
If there's any running back with that potential in this draft, it's Todd Gurley.
Of course, there are concerns about how he'll come back from a torn ACL, but before he was injured, Gurley looked like a truly special player. At 6'1'' and 222 pounds, Gurley has the speed and elusiveness to get through just about any defender, reminding me of Edgerrin James in his prime.
With Gore as the clear starter, there would be no pressure for Gurley to rush his recovery. With a few extra months to get healthy, the Colts could possibly see Gurley ready in time for a playoff run.
In the second round, Gerod Holliman wouldn't exactly be an ideal fit at strong safety, instead looking more like a free safety. He has tremendous ball skills and was a turnover machine at Louisville, but his lack of discipline could ruin him in the NFL. By spending time behind Adams, he could learn the ropes and come in as a potential starter down the road.
Jordan Hicks is an intriguing linebacker prospect that could play inside. He's a tremendous athlete with good size at 6'1'' and 236 pounds. He tends to be a little late when reading plays, but with the right coaching he could fit in as a backup ILB.
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