Indianapolis Colts NFL Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings

Since Andrew Luck and Chuck Pagano took over as quarterback and head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, the team has made it closer to the Super Bowl each season. Now, as the Colts prepare for the 2015 NFL draft, they're looking for prospects that can help them get past the New England Patriots and bring home the Lombardi Trophy.

Offensively, the Colts look ready to have one of the most exciting units in football. Luck has a plethora of weapons, and while the offensive line could use a few more pieces, the entire offense has definitely been upgraded from last season.

On the other side of the ball, there are still some questions. Outside of Vontae Davis, there are no true stars on the defense unless Robert Mathis can play at a high level after returning from a torn Achilles. Fortunately, with another impact player or two, this defense could hold its own, at least enough to let the offense do its thing.

General manager Ryan Grigson is in a good position to draft the best available players, and with nine total draft picks, he'll have plenty of opportunities to bring in future starters. However, there is also a lot of pressure on Grigson in this draft, because the Colts need starters right away if they're going to compete with the Patriots and Denver Broncos in 2015.

There are a few prospects that Colts fans have been keeping an eye on over the past few months, so let's take a look at a big board for players at positions where the Colts have the biggest needs heading into the draft.

Keep in mind that these might not be the best overall players at each position, but the ones that are the best fits for the Colts that could realistically be available when they begin making selections.

Running Back

The Colts addressed their problems in the backfield this offseason by parting ways with Trent Richardson and bringing in veteran Frank Gore. This shift might help the Colts move the ball on the ground this coming season, but they should consider finding a long-term option in this year's draft, which has one of the deeper running back classes in some time.

1. Todd Gurley, Georgia

Prior to tearing his ACL, there wasn't an easier home run pick at running back than Georgia's Todd Gurley. At 6'1'' and 222 pounds, he's an incredibly gifted runner thanks to his size, speed and instincts. When I watched him play, I couldn't help but think of Edgerrin James prior to him tearing his ACL.

But James was able to come back and still play at a high level after his injury, and that was back when ACL tears were more career-threatening than they are now. If the Colts decide to take a chance on Gurley in the first round, then they could let him focus on getting healthy while having Gore as their starter.

If Gurley were to be able to return to full form before the playoffs, the Colts would be a frightening team in the AFC.

2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin

If the Colts want a first-round running back that has the potential to break off huge runs regularly, then they'd have a hard time passing up Melvin Gordon.

This past season, Gordon was able to post the second-most rushing yards in FBS history with 2,587, including one game where the Wisconsin back was able to break off for 408 yards. Averaging 7.5 yards per carry, Gordon was a threat to break away almost every time he touched the ball.

Gordon isn't exactly a three-down back with concerns about his abilities as a pass-catcher and in pass protection, but his top-end speed and acceleration make him an exciting running back prospect.

3. Tevin Coleman, Indiana

Drafting a player from Bloomington would appeal to a large portion of Colts fans, but Tevin Coleman would make a lot more fans happy simply because he has the potential to be a Pro Bowl running back in the NFL.

Coleman compares well to current players like DeMarco Murray and Darren McFadden, thriving as an aggressive downhill runner with the balance and upper-body strength to shed off would-be tacklers. His toughness can't be questioned either, as he played half of last season with a broken foot for the Hoosiers. 

4. Duke Johnson, Miami (FL)

While he doesn't have the size of the other running backs ahead of him, Miami's Duke Johnson might be the most explosive player at the position in this year's draft. In just three seasons, Johnson was able to leave the Hurricanes as their all-time leading rusher with 3,519 yards.

Johnson isn't going to be a workhorse in the league, but with many NFL teams now relying on a committee of running backs, Johnson could fit in well in a place like Indianapolis. He has terrific open-field moves and the speed to keep space between him and defenders. With the patience to wait for running lanes and the vision to find cutbacks, Johnson will make some big plays, even as a rookie.

5. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska

It doesn't appear that Ahmad Bradshaw is returning to the Colts, and they may be trying to find someone to take his role as the team's red-zone threat and pass-catcher out of the backfield. 

Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah would be the perfect replacement for Bradshaw. Abdullah can hit top-end speed in a hurry and arguably has the best hands of any back in this draft. His 5'9'', 205-pound frame will scare off some teams, but Abdullah is explosive enough to play for the Colts in a Bradshaw-type role while even potentially returning punts and kicks.

Offensive Tackle

On offense, the only other position the Colts should really be looking at early on is offensive tackle. I understand the concern on the interior of the offensive line, but there are now more than a few competent offensive guards on the roster, and the team seems determined to find a starter in either Jonotthan Harrison or Khaled Holmes at center.

Anthony Castonzo has been a reliable left tackle for the Colts, but they need to find a right tackle to replace Gosder Cherilus, who has struggled even when healthy. If the Colts do, in fact, draft a tackle early on, they'll be more focused on a right tackle that can pave the way in the running game as well as protect Luck.

1. La'el Collins, LSU

There isn't a better right tackle prospect in this draft than LSU's La'el Collins. Not only did he prove himself in the SEC West for four years with the Tigers, but he also plays with the perfect combination of nastiness and technique.

With a 6'4'' and 305-pound frame, Collins relies on strength and power to drive through defenders. He doesn't have the athleticism or balance to try to block elite NFL pass-rushers as a left tackle, but he could be terrific on the other side of the ball with his ability to create wide-open rushing lanes.

It's highly unlikely Collins is still on the board when the Colts pick at No. 29, but if he is, the Colts might be quick to pick him up.

2. Andrus Peat, Stanford

Pep Hamilton and the Colts love their Stanford prospects, and it wouldn't surprise me if the team is considering Andrus Peat if he's on the board with the No. 29 overall pick.

Peat stands out at 6'7'' and 313 pounds, but most of his strength comes from his lower body. For a player of his size, Peat is still able to win the leverage battle on defenders and can use his wide base to drive through them. 

Unlike Collins, Peat could probably play on the left side as well. However, he needs to work on his technique and dealing with edge-rushers more effectively. These things can be coached to a degree, but Peat would still be able to start immediately at right tackle for the Colts.

3. D.J. Humphries, Florida

D.J. Humphries is one of the those prospects that people seem to have varying opinions of. I'm not as high on him as some are, but that doesn't mean I don't see the value he has as a potential NFL right tackle.

From an athleticism standpoint, there are few prospects on the same level as Humphries. He's able to stay low and does a great job getting into the second level to make blocks on linebackers. There are concerns with his technique and balance, but Humphries is a prospect with a high ceiling, even if it comes with some risk.

4. Jake Fisher, Oregon

Injuries always seem to plague the Colts offensive line. By the end of last season, the Colts were moving guys around just to man an entire starting unit. With that in mind, versatility can play a big factor in who the Colts look at in the draft.

Jake Fisher has the versatility to potentially play either tackle position or move inside at guard. As a former tight end, Fisher is athletic enough to stay in front of pass-rushers and tough enough to sustain blocks or finish through plays. 

Other guys are probably more well-suited to play right tackle, but Fisher is intriguing because of his potential to move around the line, which is something the Colts could use.

5. Ereck Flowers, Miami (FL)

The right tackle position is important in helping open up rushing lanes, but for the Colts, protecting Luck is still priority No. 1, which is why I have Ereck Flowers at No. 5 on my big board.

Flowers might have great size and athleticism to bully defenders in the trenches, but there a lot of concerns with his skills in pass protection. Honestly, Flowers might be better suited to play as an offensive guard, but if someone can figure out how to help him in pass protection, then this young man could become one of the more intimidating tackles in the league.

Inside Linebacker

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One of the biggest problems for the Colts defensively last season was at inside linebacker. Jerrell Freeman and D'Qwell Jackson both struggled to make plays at the line of scrimmage in the running game, instead usually making contact a few yards downfield. Meanwhile, in pass coverage, both players struggled when it came to defending top-tier tight ends.

Those are things that will need to change next season, and while Freeman and Jackson are both returning, it has become clear that they are not long-term options at the position.

1. Eric Kendricks, UCLA

Eric Kendricks might be the player that I've mocked to the Colts more often than any other prospect this offseason. There's a bigger need at safety, but I think that the only prospect worth a first-round pick at the position will already be gone.

But the Colts can still get a big upgrade by drafting Kendricks. He's an aggressive downhill linebacker that does a great job reading plays and recognizing the run. Even more appealing is his pass coverage ability, showing the speed and awareness to stick with his man.

Kendricks will need to bulk up a bit more to take on the size of offensive linemen in the NFL, but his production and effort in college should make him the first inside linebacker taken this year.

2. Paul Dawson, TCU

From a talent perspective, Paul Dawson might be right up there with Kendricks, but concerns about effort put him just behind the UCLA prospect.

Still, there might not have been a more productive linebacker last season than Dawson, who racked up 136 tackles, including 20 behind the line of scrimmage. His elite instincts and athleticism help him make plays all over the field, whether that's against the run or dropping back in coverage.

If the Colts decide that Dawson is worth the trouble, then he could become an impact player in the middle of the defense with the right guidance from Pagano.

3. Denzel Perryman, Miami (FL)

Jackson is nearing the end of his career, but if the Colts want to find a similar type of linebacker to replace him in the second round, then Denzel Perryman could be their guy.

Perryman plays like few linebackers do anymore, using his size confidently to stand ball-carriers up. Although he isn't going to help much in pass coverage, Perryman is such an asset against the run that he's a great fit for Indianapolis as an early-down linebacker.

4. Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State

Another option for the Colts as an eventual replacement for Jackson would be Benardrick McKinney. 

Another physically gifted linebacker at 6'4'' and 246 pounds, McKinney attacks when he sees the ball and finishes through tackles. Like Perryman, he's not a very comfortable player in pass coverage, but McKinney has the size and mentality to be a productive linebacker at the next level.

5. Stephone Anthony, Clemson

There's a chance that the Colts look elsewhere for the first pick or two, but it's unlikely that they don't bring in an inside linebacker before the second day of the draft is over.

If guys listed above are already off of the board, Clemson's Stephone Anthony is an intriguing option. Anthony is relatively similar in size to Perryman and McKinney, but is perhaps more athletic. He has good tackling technique and can effectively cover tight ends in the passing game.

Anthony might not be able to start ahead of Freeman or Jackson right away, but with some time, he has the potential to turn into a versatile defender.

Safety

Safety might be the biggest weakness for the Colts right now, especially because of a lack of depth. Mike Adams had a terrific year in 2014, but there isn't another guy currently on the roster that would be an asset in the starting lineup.

It will be hard for the Colts to find a potential starter unless they draft a safety early. This year's class at the position is extremely thin, and that could play an important factor once the draft begins.

1. Landon Collins, Alabama

The surefire top prospect at safety this year has to be Landon Collins. For defensive coordinator Greg Manusky and the Colts defense, Collins is the guy that they wanted LaRon Landry to be in their secondary.

Nick Saban tends to teach his defensive players to play fearlessly, and that's apparent in watching Collins on film. At 6'0'' and 228 pounds, Collins is the best tackler at safety in this draft and can play a huge factor against the run.

Collins has yet to prove himself as a consistent prospect against the pass because he isn't the fastest player, but his experience at both safety positions will help him out in the NFL. The Crimson Tide safety could be taken as early as the top 10, but if he falls, the Colts might be willing to trade up to bring him in.

2. Jaquiski Tartt, Samford

It isn't easy finding film on Samford's Jaquiski Tartt, but once you do, it's hard not to wonder why he wasn't playing at a larger program. 

Tartt is a massive safety prospect coming in at 6'1'' and 221 pounds, playing with a fire that demands respect. Using his size and taking the right angles helps Tartt level ball-carriers, but he must become a better player in pass coverage. Regardless, both the physical and mental traits are there to believe that Tartt will be an NFL starter in the near future.

3. Damarious Randall, Arizona State

Damarious Randall has been able to climb up draft boards after showcasing his speed and athleticism at the NFL combine. That kind of jump doesn't always bode well for the team that ends up reaching for him, but there are still some things to like about Randall.

Coming it at only 5'11'' and 196 pounds is a bit of a concern, but Randall is a solid free safety prospect because of his range and closing speed. Randall plays bigger than his size suggests, laying the wood on his targets. He has the ball skills to potential play cornerback as well.

Randall might not be the ideal player for Manusky at strong safety, but he's still a tempting prospect to take in the second round that can learn while playing alongside Adams.

4. James Sample, Louisville

Even though James Sample probably isn't the fourth-best safety on a lot of scouts' big boards, he should be for the Colts considering the skill set he brings. 

Sample is a bruiser inside the box that does a good job of making tackles in open space. A lack of in-game experience at the college level lead to some mental mistakes in his one season at Louisville, but more reps should help him once he gets to training camp.

5. Derron Smith, Fresno State

Versatility might have to be the name of the game for the Colts as they look for safeties. There are just not enough appealing prospects in this draft class to add enough depth at the position. 

Although Derron Smith isn't the biggest prospect at 5'10'' and 200 pounds, the Fresno State safety has the versatility to play either position. Smith has natural ball skills and does a terrific job mirroring receivers in the passing game. He's a heavy hitter as well, and could be an intriguing option if still available in the third round.

Defensive Line

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With Cory Redding gone, defensive end has become a major need for the Colts defense. Kendall Langford might be able to hold the position for a short time, but an impact player at the position could go a long way in turning the defense into a legitimate threat.

Finding the right prospect to play as a 3-4 defensive end is critical, but the Colts also have needs all over the defensive line. The more depth that they can add in the trenches, the better prepared they'll be to stop the run.

1. Danny Shelton, Washington

Josh Chapman has not turned into the dominant starter that Colts fans were hoping for when he was drafted back in 2012, but he's still showing signs of improvement. Adding a true starter ahead of Chapman to let him get snaps off of the bench could be beneficial for the team as a whole.

Danny Shelton is likely going to be gone long before the Colts are on the clock, but he's such a dominant run-stopper and can collapse the pocket with his 6'2'', 339-pound frame that he might be worth trading up for if he slides further than expected.

2. Arik Armstead, Oregon

Based off of potential alone, Arik Armstead may be the best option for the Colts to replace Redding on their defensive line. He already has the size at 6'7'' and 292 pounds as well as the athleticism to fit right in with Manusky's 3-4 defense.

Armstead makes so many big plays because he's so quick off of the snap despite his large frame. Right now, Armstead depends too much on his physical gifts, so there is definitely some work to be done. However, once he gets comfortable with the defense, Armstead will be a force to be reckoned with in the running game and could eventually become a productive pass-rusher.

3. Malcom Brown, Texas

Versatility on the defensive line can make a player that much more valuable, and that's why Malcom Brown is projected to go in the first round.

Brown could fit in a number of positions on either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense thanks to a powerful frame and the ability to get low to get through blockers. While not the greatest athlete, Brown could be effectively moved around the defense to help the Colts cause problems in the running game.

4. Eddie Goldman, Florida State

If the players above are already off the board in the first round, which is definitely likely, the Colts might still have another player to look at on the defensive line with their first-round pick. 

Much like Brown, Florida State's Eddie Goldman looks like a player that can move around the defensive line. However, he will likely translate best as a nose tackle, which is what the Colts need to play ahead of Chapman. 

Goldman can plug up holes at 6'4'' and 336 pounds, but uses his hands and hips well off of the snap to gain even more leverage on blockers. The Seminoles prospect could manhandle some of the better offensive linemen in college, but his inconsistent pass rush is a concern for a lot of teams.

5. Carl Davis, Iowa

Carl Davis might not be a workhorse starter in the NFL, but that doesn't mean he couldn't play a major role as a rotational defensive lineman with a team like the Colts.

Even though he's not the most polished pass-rusher, there are definitely flashes of potential there with Davis. He's much better when it comes to making plays at the line of scrimmage, however, using his size and power to win the battles in the trenches. Davis would be an interesting player to watch come in off the bench for players like Chapman and Arthur Jones.

Edge-Rusher

Even after bringing in Trent Cole, the Colts might still want to consider adding a true edge-rusher to help put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Robert Mathis is still working on rehabbing from a torn Achilles, and there's no guarantee that he'll be ready for the regular-season opener. Bjoern Werner has been disappointing, and while Jonathan Newsome showed potential in his rookie year, the Colts need as much help rushing the passer as they can get.

There are other players more talented than the guys on my big board, but I don't expect names like Vic Beasley, Randy Gregory or Dante Fowler to be on the board with the No. 29 pick.

1. Shane Ray, Missouri

There are a lot of questions swirling around Missouri's Shane Ray after we was cited for marijuana possession on Monday, according to ESPN.com. The incident will likely hurt his draft stock, but the Colts would have to think long and hard if Ray, who previously looked like a top-10 pick, is still on the board late in the first round.

Ray is perhaps the most explosive edge-rusher in this draft class. Along with a quick first step, Ray doesn't give up on any play, even if he's locked up with a blocker. He might not be the best option to make plays as an edge-setting outside linebacker, but Ray can generate pressure off of the edge.

It's understandable if Grigson shies away from Ray because of the recent incident, but if the Tigers prospect can prove that he's learned from his mistake and is focused on football, he has the potential to make a serious impact in the league.

2. Alvin "Bud" Dupree, Kentucky

A freakish athlete rushing off of the outside edge could be a game-changer for Manusky's defense that had to manufacture so much of its own pass rush last season. Mathis likely won't come back with the same explosiveness he had before, but someone else could embrace that role and learn from one of the NFL's career sack leaders.

Kentucky's Bud Dupree could develop into that player for the Colts. The Wildcat turned heads at the combine after posting a 42-inch vertical jump while running the 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds despite weighing 269 pounds.

Dupree is far from a polished prospect, but he has the ceiling to one day become a consistent Pro Bowler in the right scheme.

3. Eli Harold, Virginia

Speed can be just as important as strength at times for a 3-4 outside linebacker, and that's what makes Eli Harold such an interesting prospect for the Colts.

Harold doesn't have the ideal build for a pass-rusher because of his small lower body and lean frame, but he makes up for it by simply burning past would-be blockers. With length, balance and explosiveness off the snap, Harold can bend the corner to get to opposing quarterbacks.

It will be important for Harold to work on his power and learn to disengage from blockers when he can't burn past them, but his speedy style of play fits well as a 3-4 edge-rusher.

4. Preston Smith, Mississippi State

Although not exactly an edge-rusher, Preston Smith looks like a prospect that could set the edge as well as put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He's not a speedy edge-rusher like Ray or Harold, but he uses his size and length to power through blockers. 

Smith doesn't have the speed or burst off the snap to bend the corner, but he uses leverage well and can make plays on the line or standing up. He's not the most traditional pick for a 3-4 defense like the Colts have, but he could wouldn't be a bad second- or third-round pick to try to turn into more of an outside linebacker.

5. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA

After seeing how Bjoern Werner has played so far in his career, Colts fans should be hesitant about the team taking another extremely raw pass-rusher that could potentially struggle with the scheme fit.

Owamagbe Odighizuwa has all of the potential in the world because of his physical tools, which include a ridiculously muscular frame and a strong lower body. He doesn't have a lot of experience as a stand-up pass-rusher, and he isn't the quickest player off of the snap.

Despite a high ceiling, Odighizuwa is a big risk for a team looking for an instant starter. However, if he's still there in the third round, the Colts could consider taking him and having him sit a year or two to let him develop into a more polished pass-rusher.