2012 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting the Indianapolis Colts' Choices

The Indianapolis Colts are in a great position in this year's NFL draft to get some real young talent. The Colts have pretty much cleaned house, and are just waiting on Peyton Manning's decision on if he is going to stay of if he is going to take his talents elsewhere. The Colts have brought in Ryan Grigson as their new GM and Chuck Pagano as their new Head Coach. 

These two are looking to rebuild this team young and more talented. With the first pick in the NFL draft there is no secret to who they are going to pick, Andrew Luck. Luck will be taking over for Manning if he decides to leave. This team has plenty of holes both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. They need a QB, DT/NT, CB, WR, G, C, and TE. 

1st Round: Andrew Luck (Stanford, QB)

It is no secret that the first pick in the draft will be no other than Luck, whether Manning decides to stay in Indy or not. Luck has all the intangibles to be an NFL quarterback and an All-Pro for years to come. 

Luck showed off his athleticism at the NFL Combine, where his numbers matched last year's number one pick, the "super athlete" Cam Newton. Luck not only has great athleticism; he can also throw the ball with great accuracy, he has great foot work, and he is competitive player who just wants to win. 

This pick makes sense for the Indianapolis Colts for many reasons. This will give the Colts their heir to the throne and a great quarterback for many years. 

2nd Round: Alameda Ta'amu (Washington, DT/NT)

Alameda Ta'amu hasn't shown up this past year the way he has in recent years, but he has still been a dominating force in the middle. With the Colts signing Pagano as their new head coach, they need to find a nose tackle for his 3-4 defensive schemes. 

Ta'amu would be a great pick up for this new Colts defense. He is a 6' 3" 341 lb. nose tackle that will cause havoc in the middle for opposing offenses. Ta'amu can not only get after the quarterback, but he can also play the run.  

3rd Round: Stephen Hill (Georgia Tech, WR)

Stephen Hill is the next big wide receiver to come out of Georgia Tech. Standing at 6' 5" Hill has the build to be a great receiver. Hill boasted his stock at the NFL combine by showing off his skills and running a blazing fast 4.38 in the 40. 

Hill could be a huge pickup for the Colts, especially since Pierre Garcon turned down their five year offer. Hill would give Luck a big, fast target to throw the ball to down the field. 

4th Round: Jayron Hosley (Virginia Tech, CB)

The Indianapolis Colts were horrible on the defensive side of the ball last year, they couldn't stop anyone through the air, and it was embarrassing. The cornerback play in Indy has been terrible for a few years now, and it's time for an upgrade at that position. 

Jayron Hosley is a good way to start the rebuilding process at the cornerback position. Hosley is a ball-hawk, has a nag for being around the ball, has great hands, and should be able to come in and make an impact for this team. 

5th Round: David Molk (Michigan, C)

With center Jeff Saturday possibly set to retire from the NFL, the Colts could look for his replacement in this draft. David Molk is a solid pick, and could eventually turn out to be a great replacement for Saturday. Molk won the 2011 Rimington Trophy (awarded to the best collegiate offensive center). 

Molk showed his strength at the combine and really impressed some scouts. He reaped the bench press 41 times. Scouts and his trainer were also really impressed with his neck muscles. This would be a good pick up for the Colts. A young quarterback and a young center could grow together.  

6th Round: Rokevious Watkins (South Carolina, G/T)

The Colts need help in the interior line. Anthony Castanzo and Ben Ijalana are the future on the outside of this offensive line. Now they just need to find interior line man that can not only pass protect, but can also open up holes for the back field.  

Watkins had a pretty good season for South Carolina at the guard position. The Gamecocks had a really strong interior rushing attack this year and Watkins was the anchor of the interior of that line. He is a great run blocker and is a decent pass blocker. This would be a great pick up for the Colts' interior line. 

7th Round: Jamie Blatnick (Oklahoma State, DE)

Indianapolis needs some more depth at the defensive end position. There is a possibility that they could lose Robert Mathis to free agency and then they have Jerry Hughes who is a failed experiment. They need to find someone in this draft. 

There is a chance that a guy like Jamie Blatnick could still be available with this pick. Blatnick had a really strong senior season. He has good pass-rushing skills and was clutch at times for the Cowboys. Blatnick had 50 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, seven passes batted, one forced fumble, and an interception. If Blatnick falls here this could be a steal for the Colts.