Indianapolis Colts 2012 Mock Draft: 7 Round Predictions

Over the past decade, the Colts were consistently one of the best teams in the NFL. They were perennial playoff contenders year in and year out.

But last season, after it was announced that quarterback Peyton Manning would miss most, if not all, of the season, the Colts had to resort to a combination of Kerry Collins, Dan Orlovsky and Curtis Painter. Along the injuries to multiple key components, the season didn't look bright for the organization.

That trio of quarterbacks and the key injuries helped lead the Colts to a 2-14 record, tied for the worst in the NFL. By virtue of the tiebreaker, the Colts will receive the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft. Luckily for them, Andrew Luck will be waiting.

However, the team will start the 2012 season without quarterback Peyton Manning, who had been the face of the franchise since he was selected with the first selection of the 1998 NFL Draft. In order to not pay him $26 million this season, the team elected to not re-sign him and instead, Manning went out West and signed with John Elway's Broncos.

So, if the Colts select Luck with the first pick, it will bring in a new era for the organization, as they look to get a fresh start and return to the upper echelon of the NFL.

It all begins and ends with the first overall selection. So, who do they take?

First Round, First Overall: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

Other Possibilities: QB Robert Griffin III (Baylor)

The Colts had the fortune of having the opportunity to draft the best quarterback prospect since the recently-departed leading man and current Bronco, Peyton Manning. Since Manning entered the league, we've seen high-profile talent such as Michael Vick, Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Sam Bradford, Eli Manning, Tim Couch, Joey Harrington, Matt Ryan, Cam Newton, Brady Quinn, Matt Stafford, Donovan McNabb, Akili Smith, David Carr, Alex Smith and many others come into the NFL. But Luck is supposed to be the cream of the crop and the Colts have to take him with the No. 1 overall selection in April's draft.

Luck is just too good to pass up. Honestly, there aren't many flaws in his game.

His ability to get rid of the ball quickly is stunning. His accuracy delivering the football to teammates is amazing. He can read defenses better than most current NFL quarterbacks. His confidence is staggering. Luck has decent mobility for a quarterback and can get out of the pocket when needed. He's also a natural leader that could immediately come in and become one of the biggest voices in the locker room.

What more can you ask for?

Jim Irsay and Co. would be fools to not take Luck with the No. 1 pick. He seems like a shoo-in at this point, but there is always the possibility that the Colts stun everyone and take RGIII with the first pick (I can't imagine how Dan Snyder would feel if he were able to draft Luck).

With a 99-percent chance of Luck ending up in Indianapolis, the Colts will definitely be headed on the right track. With Manning's release, it has become nearly official that the Luck era begins now. As a Colts fan and as a fan of the game itself, I can't wait to hear those amazing words, "With the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select quarterback Andrew Luck from Stanford University."

I honestly don't think it matters how well Griffin does in workouts or at the combine. The Colts will take Luck with the first-overall selection and we will see a No. 12 behind center next season, instead of No. 18.

Second Round, 34th Overall: Coby Fleener, Tight End, Stanford

Other Possibilities: WR Rueben Randle (LSU), WR Alshon Jeffery (South Carolina), WR Mohamed Sanu (Rutgers), OT Mike Adams (Ohio State), OLB Zach Brown (North Carolina), CB Alfonzo Dennard (Nebraska), CB/KR Josh Robinson (Central Florida)

This may upset some of the Colts fans out there, but I would enjoy the pick if it were to play out this way.

The Colts are undoubtedly in a rebuilding stage. So far this offseason, they have released Peyton Manning, cut Dallas Clark, Joseph Addai, Melvin Bullitt, Gary Brackett, and Curtis Painter. They also failed to re-sign long-time center Jeff Saturday, cornerback Jacob Lacey and offensive lineman Mike Pollak. They also lost Pierre Garcon to Washington and tackle Ryan Diem to retirement.

Thus far, they have neglected to re-sign multiple free agents, including tight end Jacob Tamme.

With Clark gone and Tamme a free agent, the Colts suddenly have a massive hole at that position. If the season were to start right now, the Colts' tight ends would be Brody Eldridge and Justin Snow, who is primarily used as a long-snapper.

Needless to say, the Colts need to acquire a tight end, whether it be through the draft or free agency. In this scenario, they grab up Coby Fleener, who was Andrew Luck's teammate at Stanford, along with one of his favorite targets. The addition of Fleener would make Luck exponentionally happy and if he's on the board at that point, the Colts need to take him.

However, since they lost Garcon in free agency, they can easily take a receiver here. I wouldn't doubt seeing Jim Irsay attempt to give Luck another weapon on offense and snagging up a tight end in one of the later rounds. But as of right now, Fleener is the best tight end prospect, especially since Georgia's Orson Charles and Clemson's Dwayne Allen struggled mightily at the combine.

Regardless, what better way to usher in the new era in Indy with a Luck-to-Fleener combination? After all, Fleener has drawn comparisons to the recently-departed Dallas Clark, as Luck has been compared to Manning. It could be a match made in heaven.

Third Round, 64th Overall: Juron Criner, Wide Receiver, Arizona

Other Possibilities: CB/S Trumaine Johnson (Montana), OLB Jonathan Massaquoi (Troy), CB Josh Norman (Coastal Carolina), OLB Travis Lewis (Oklahoma), RB Chris Polk (Washington), RB LaMichael James (Oregon), CB/KR Chase Minnifield (Virginia)

It stays in the Pac-12, as the Colts use their third-round selection on Arizona wide receiver Juron Criner. They also stay on offense, as Irsay attempts to give Luck another option after losing Garcon to free agency and the release of Dallas Clark.

In my opinion, Criner is one of the most intriguing prospects in this year's draft. The receiver spent four years at Arizona and was undoubtedly their best receiver and one of the best offensive players.

In 2010, Criner registered 82 receptions for 1,233 yards and eleven touchdowns and was also named to the conference's first team. The following campaign, Criner caught 75 passes for 956 yards and eleven touchdowns after nearly missing the entire season with a serious medical condition. Yet, he returned and had a fine season for the Wildcats.

Criner's game does need some work but if he fully develops and is given the right opportunity, he could become a great talent in the NFL. Like Garcon, I don't know if he can ever become a legitimate No. 1 option for a contending team, but he could be one hell of a No. 2 option.

Standing at 6'4", Criner has great size for a receiver, as he is able to beat most cornerbacks for the football if it were a jump-ball scenario. He also has a decent amount of speed for a player of his size, as well. He's an average route-runner, but he can always work on that aspect of his game. Criner also does a great job in abosrbing contact and he doesn't go down very easily.

I think Criner could become one of the best receivers in the entire draft, but it just depends on what offensive system he goes into. There's no doubt that he's a very intriguing prospect that has the capabilities of becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver.

If available, the Colts should take a shot on him at this point in the draft. There's a chance that other receivers such as Wisconsin's Nick Toon, Wake Forest's Chris Givens and Arkansas' Greg Childs and Joe Adams could be on the board at this point, but I believe Criner would be the best option.

Fourth Round, 96th Overall: Jamell Fleming, Cornerback, Oklahoma

Other Possibilities: CB Casey Hayward (Vanderbilt), DT Josh Chapman (Alabama), CB Leonard Johnson (Iowa State), CB Coryell Judie (Texas A&M), S George Iloka (Boise State), RB Ronnie Hillman (San Diego State), OG Senio Kelemete (Washington)

With their fourth-round selection, the Colts use their pick on cornerback Jamell Fleming, perhaps the best secondary player on the board at this point in the draft.

The Colts recently lost cornerback Jacob Lacey to Detroit via free agency, so there's now a spot open at cornerback. Currently, the Colts list their cornerbacks as Jerraud Powers, Terrence Johnson, Kevin Thomas, Mike Holmes, Brandon King and Chris Rucker.

Needless to say, their secondary is young, inexperienced and in need of some help. That's where Fleming comes in.

Fleming has the potential of becoming a great player at the professional level and at this point in the draft, the cornerback is an exceptional value pick.

The former Sooner is great in man-to-man coverage and covers receivers exceptionally well. He has decent size and speed for a cornerback and is very physical at the line of scrimmage. He also does a great job in covering receivers downfield, which will definitely come in handy in the NFL.

Fleming's game will likely need some work once he gets to the NFL, but it shouldn't take long for him to reach his ceiling.

If available, the Colts need to take a shot on him. He'll definitely be worth the risk, as he has the potential of becoming an elite cornerback at the professional level.

Fifth Round, 127th Overall: Akiem Hicks, Nose Tackle, Canada

Other Possibilities: LB Nigel Bradham (Florida State), S Brandon Taylor (LSU), DE/DT Kheeston Randall (Texas), OT Andrew Datko (Florida State), CB Shaun Prater (Iowa), LB Audie Cole (North Carolina State), DE/OLB Brandon Lindsey (Pittsburgh), DE Jake Bequette (Arkansas)

Akiem Hicks is one of the most intriguing prospects in this April's draft.

In case you didn't know Hicks' story, the nose tackle was recruited by LSU. But in early 2010, Hicks left the team because his recruitment resulted in an investigation of possible recruiting violations. Instead of dealing with all of the impending doom, Hicks just decided to leave the team and eventually made his way up to Canada.

Playing for the Regina Rams, Hicks led the team in tackles (29), total tackles (35.5) and forced fumbles (two). His 6.5 sacks during the regular season led the conference, as well.

Needless to say, Hicks is a great talent and could become a great NFL player.

The Colts, under new head coach Chuck Pagano's new regime, are switching to a 3-4 defense this season, instead of the 4-3, which they have seemingly run forever. In order to do that, the Colts need a powerful force and a humongous body up the middle. As of right now, the only player on the roster that really fits the bill is Antonio Johnson, a 6'3", 310-pounder.

In order to assimilate the defense that the Ravens ran, Johnson just isn't going to work. They need someone like Hicks, even though he'll be a rookie this season and will likely need some grooming. Hicks has the potential of becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber professional player and he'd be the perfect fit for the team's new defensive scheme.

Standing at 6'4" and weighing approximately 316 pounds, Hicks is very athletic and has surprising mobility for a big man. He's very versatile and is a great tackler that can stuff the middle and suffocate opposing running backs. The Colts need someone like Hicks for their new 3-4 scheme.

Hicks' draft stock has fluctuated since he announced he'd be coming back to the United States and it is entirely possible that he could go in the fourth round. But if he scares away teams and is available early in the fifth-round, the Colts need to take a shot on the prospect.

Sixth Round, 175th Overall: OT/OG Tony Bergstrom, Utah

Other Possibilities: RB Terrance Ganaway (Baylor), CB Neiko Thorpe (Auburn), LB Kyle Wilber (Wake Forest), CB Keith Tandy (West Virginia), OT Levy Adcock (Oklahoma State), RB Tauren Poole (Tennessee), RB Vick Ballard (Mississippi State), OG Adam Gettis (Iowa)

The Colts' offensive line has changed drastically over the last year or so, as the team used their first two selections in last year's draft on Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo and Villanova offensive lineman Ben Ijalana.

This offseason, they lost Jeff Saturday to the Packers via free agency and also lost long-time Colt Ryan Diem to retirement. They acquired right tackle Winston Justice from Philadelphia (this pick originally belonged to the Eagles) last week, as well. Additionally, they signed center Samson Satele and offensive lineman Mike McGlynn in free agency.

The team seems to be set at tackle with Castonzo, and Ijalana, and at center with Satele.

The only thing that remains is the guard positions, as the Colts currently list Jaimie Thomas, Seth Olsen, Matt Murphy, and Jake Kirkpatrick as their offensive guards. Needless to say, the Colts need help at the guard positions.

With the selection of Tony Bergstrom, the Colts get a player that can play both tackle and guard. If this scenario were to play out, the Colts would likely utilize him as an offensive guard instead of a tackle because let's face it, those four players listed above aren't going to get it done through a 16-game regular season. Even though it's a sixth-round pick, Bergstrom could still surprise people, as he is an exceptional run-blocker.

The Colts could definitely use someone like Bergstrom, as I believe it's a very good value pick at this point.

Seventh Round, 190th Overall: OLB Sammy Brown, Houston

Other Possibilities: DE Matt Conrath (Virginia), DE Jack Crawford (Penn State), S Blake Gideon (Texas), DT Tydreke Powell (North Carolina), S Winston Guy (Kentucky), DT Logan Harrell (Fresno State), RB Bobby Rainey (Western Kentucky), RB Jeffery Demps (Florida), LB Mario Kurn (San Diego)

Now that the Colts have dismissed Jim Caldwell and brought in Chuck Pagano, the Colts will be switching to a 3-4 scheme this season, as I previously mentioned in a slide.

In a 3-4 scheme, a team utilizes two defensive ends, one nose tackle, two inside linebackers and two outside linebackers.

With the new scheme in place, the Colts will switch the recently re-signed Robert Mathis as an outside linebacker, much like what the Texans did with Mario Williams. During the offseason, the team signed Cory Redding, who will likely line up on the opposite side of Dwight Freeney.

With Mathis and Pat Angerer already in place, the team will likely need another inside linebacker, along with an outside linebacker. That's where Houston's Sammy Brown comes in.

I believe Brown can become one of the draft's biggest steals, as he was an absolute stud for the Cougars.

Last season, Brown registered 93 total tackles, 30 of which were for a loss. He also registered 13.5 sacks during the season, as well. Brown was arguably the team's best defensive player last season and if given a decent shot, I believe he can become a solid NFL player. If available, the Colts should use their seventh-round pick on him. After all, what else do they have to lose? Brown could become a stud linebacker at the professional level.