NFL Draft 2011: Indianapolis Colts 7 Round Mock Draft
The Colts have missed on several of their recent first round picks, so this draft is of the upmost importance.
HOF QB Peyton Manning has, at age 34, only a couple more years left to realistically win a second title.
With other key Colts' players aging as well, this draft is much needed to provide depth and add some new talent to a team that suddenly looks vulnerable after finishing only 10-6.
Here is a complete seven round mock draft for the Colts.
Colts' Draft Needs
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The Colts primary concern on both sides of the ball is the play of the line.
On offense, they need some big, physical lineman to help the run game, and some bulky DT to stop the run on the other side of the ball.
Once again, the Colts failed to average over 100 yards rushing a game, finishing fourth worst in the league in run offense.
Better lineman could also be used to give Manning more time to throw the ball: While he was only sacked 16 times (best in the league), that number is deceiving because Manning has such a quick release.
Better lineman could allow Peyton the time to take more shots deep.
Defensively, bigger tackles are needed to stop the run inside while Freeney and Mathis wreak havoc from the edges.
To round out the draft, skill players on offense are needed as the Colts went through a number of injuries last season, forcing practice squad players like Javarris James and Blair White into extensive playing time.
1. Boston College OT Anthony Castonzo
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The Colts could go with a number of offensive lineman here, but Castonzo should be the pick because of his mixture of size, speed, and athleticism.
Castonzo is quicker than many of the other tackles in this class, and has very nimble feet. He was a four year starter and team captain who displays excellent work ethic and leadership qualities.
Despite his large size (6'7), he is a little underweight at 295 pounds, leading some scouts to worry that he will get pushed around by bigger DL at the next level.
Still, he is one of the premier tackle's in this class, and worthy of a first round selection.
2. Illinois DT Corey Liuget
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The Colts defense does not seem to be getting any better against the run- Last season they gave up 127 yards per game on the ground, eighth worst in the NFL.
Liuget can help shore up a rather small Colts defensive line. At 6'3 300 pounds, he already has NFL size.
He burst onto the scene his junior year, with 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, both career highs.
Both those totals actually eclipsed his career marks before that year, leading some scouts to question whether Liuget was just a one year wonder.
But Liuget's upside is very high, and he has the talent to instantly compete for a starting job. You can't ask for much more out of your second round choice.
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3. Wisconsin OG John Moffitt
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The interior of the Colts offensive line needs help as well, and Moffitt is the perfect, physical guard the Colts need to help in the run game.
Moffitt plays with a chip on his shoulder, and is not afraid to get dirty down in the trenches. He is very strong and yet still has the speed to block downfield once the RB gets through the hole.
He played guard and center in college, and could play either in the pro's, so he is versatile as well.
He is an expected mid-round selection who would fall very nicely to the Colts in the third.
4. Kentucky RB Derrick Locke
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The Colts run game has not been entirely effective since the days of Edgerrin James, and last season really tested the depth of the Colts, with Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, and Mike Hart all missing time with injuries.
Locke may not a franchise back, but he could provide much needed depth. He would work great as a third down or change of pace back.
He is one of the fastest players in the draft, with sub 4.4 speed. He is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
However, he still needs work in pass blocking, which is crucial in the Colts system.
If the Colts believe he can shore up that aspect of his game, he would be a perfect fit to play alongside Manning.
5. Oregon WR Jeff Maehl
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With Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, and Dallas Clark all missing time last season, Maehl could be added to provide depth to the Colts receiving core.
Maehl increased his receptions, yardage, and touchdowns each of his four years in Eugene, and despite being under 200 pounds, he is a tough kid who plays with a lot of intensity of the football field.
He is also a great red zone receiver- He had 12 touchdown receptions this past season, many of them on fade routes.
While not overly flashy, Maehl is a solid receiver who would work well out of the slot.
6. Arkansas CB Ramon Broadway
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Late round selections are never asked to do much, but Broadway has the potential to be a key contributor on special teams.
Broadway is a solid form tackler whose 4.3 speed could allow him to be a returner as well.
He has the talent of a mid-round selection; However, he is coming off an ankle injury that forced him to miss most of last season.
He is an underrated player who would be very good value in the sixth round, possibly even earning playing time as a rookie.
7. Michigan State LB Eric Gordon
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Gordon's linebacker teammate Greg Jones received much of the national attention, but Gordon is a talented linebacker himself.
He was a four year starter who can did it all: Over his career, he has 30 TFL, 9.5 sacks, and two interceptions.
Neither starting OLB's for the Colts are exceptional, and Gordon is one of those late round draft picks who could push them for playing time.
He has the same build as Pat Angerer, the Colts second round selection last season. Both are smart, instinctive players who can drop back into zone coverage, which fits perfectly into the Colts Tampa Two defensive scheme.
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.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
