NFL Draft 2011: Indianaplis Colts' First-Round Pick Prediction

The Colts usually keep the pundits guessing with their drafts, and this year is probably no exception.  All the best guesses out there this year have the Colts drafting help for the offensive line, citing Bill Polian's admission that Roger Staffold could have helped the team last season. 

Here's the thing: Polian didn't say that passing on Staffold was the most catastrophic decision that he has ever made and that the team is completely doomed to total failure and possible relegation to Arena Football.

He actually said that his worst decision was the failure to meet Jake Scott's demands when he was a free agent (the Colts actually offered Jake Scott more money than the Tennessee Titans, but since they didn't meet Scott's initial contractual desires, Scott's agent refused to re-sign with the Colts after testing the free-agent market).

So let's not assume that Jerry Hughes was a bad pick and let's not assume that the Colts are going to chase an offensive linemen in the first round unless one grades better than anybody at other positions. 

Bill Polian always drafts the best player available.

Anthony Castonzo isn't going to be available, and the Colts certainly aren't going to trade up.  Derek Sherrod probably grades pretty well on the Colts' draft board, but I think they would probably trade back a few picks if possible if that is who they are targeting. 

Another prediction I've seen on various mock drafts is defensive tackle Corey Liuget, whom I am definitely rooting for just based on the unpronouncability of his name.  Unfortunately, I don't think he will be available at pick No. 22, either.

My best guess: If the Colts stay at No. 22, I think the best player on their board will be cornerback Brandon Harris from the University of Miami. 

Best case scenario: Bob Sanders gets bionic arms and legs and decides that he would rather play for less money than join the San Diego Chargers and the Colts have Derek Sherrod graded as the best offensive lineman in the draft and they are able to get him at pick No. 25 or 26.

Click here to read my full mock draft