Updating Indianapolis Colts' 1st-Round Big Board Post-Combine

The NFL draft landscape is ever changing.

As the draft approaches, the hope is that things will gain clarity. The reality is that nobody knows what will happen on April 30.

For the Indianapolis Colts, that's even more true than for most. Holding the 29th pick in the draft, it's a mystery who will be left by the time the Colts are on the board. Several of the top guys from my previous board have risen in recent weeks, like Vic Beasley or Malcom Brown, and seem out of reach. Others, like Paul Dawson, have seen their stock drop.

So who's left for the Colts to target at No. 29?

5. Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

There's no question that Washington cornerback Marcus Peters is one of the most talented cornerbacks in the draft.

Unfortunately for him, his stock is hampered by off-field issues. Peters was suspended for a game last year because of a dispute with a coach and was later dismissed from the team. Can Peters be coached up in the NFL, or will his past issues with staff repeat themselves? It's easy to dismiss those concerns for many fans, but NFL teams will be taking those questions seriously.

Due to those concerns and Michigan State's Trae Waynes' stellar combine performance, we may see Peters drop into the mid-to-high 20s once the draft rolls around.

If he does drop, the Colts will certainly consider him. Like head coach Chuck Pagano said at the combine, you can never have too many corners.

Peters has ideal size (6'0", 197 pounds) and length (31 1/2" arm length) and has fantastic ball skills. His technique and footwork could be cleaned up, but he turns his hips well and is a prototype for press man coverage. He'd be a perfect fit if he is willing to buy into the Colts' program.

Scout's Take

"

Marcus Peters -- Physical and long. Quick feet with mirror skills and plant and drive ability. A factor in run support. Playmaker. #NFLDraft

— Alen Dumonjić (@Dumonjic_Alen) February 15, 2015"

4. Jordan Phillips, NT, Oklahoma

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

I'm going to keep banging on the Jordan Phillips drum until the draft comes around.

The Colts desperately need talent on the defensive line, and Phillips may be the best available that has a real chance of being left on the board at No. 29.

Danny Shelton of Washington has gotten much, much more hype, but Phillips has a higher ceiling, from what I've seen. Phillips has extremely quick feet and has aggression at the point of attack to split double teams and disrupt plays in the backfield.

I'm most impressed with Phillips because of his ability to string together multiple pass-rushing moves, something that you don't see from interior linemen too often. The Colts may not necessarily use him as a three-down lineman, given their tendency to take nose tackles off the field in nickel, but Phillips has the potential to make plays in any situation.

Scout's Take

"

Jordan Phillips with 30" unofficial vertical? Talking about a 6'5, 329 pound nose tackle.. That's ridiculous

— Alex Brown (@OS_AlexBrown) February 22, 2015"

3. Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Initially, I had Paul Dawson and Eric Kendricks on the top of my inside linebacker board, with Dawson just edging Kendricks out at the top. But after Dawson's dud of a combine showing and some more consideration, Kendricks is back on top.

The former UCLA Bruin is a terror in coverage, with the speed and agility to cover backs out of the backfield with ease. Watch this interception for example. Or this one.

An incredibly intellectual player with the athleticism to match, Kendricks would be a perfect fit to join the Colts in the middle of the field. The Colts linebackers, namely D'Qwell Jackson, were a huge liability in coverage in 2014, and it showed in the numbers. The Colts were 27th against tight ends in the passing game and 31st against running backs, according to Football Outsiders' DVOA.

A talent like Kendricks, who showed his athleticism at the combine with a 38" vertical jump, 10'4" broad jump and 4.61-second 40-yard dash, is as good a linebacker in space as there is in this draft.

Scout's Take

"

Eric Kendricks' closing burst is otherworldly. Hook drops as reads QB, feet sliding away, QB dumps ball underneath to outlet. No YAC.

— Alen Dumonjić (@Dumonjic_Alen) February 19, 2015"

2. Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

What is Shaq Thompson?

Is he a safety? Is he a linebacker? Should he try moving across the line of scrimmage to running back?

The questions revolving around Thompson and his position continued at the combine, where he measured in at 6'0", 228 pounds. Thompson reiterated the fact that he was a defender, despite gaining nearly 500 yards on 7.5 yards per carry as a part-time running back at Washington.

The thing about Thompson is that he's a playmaker. He's one of the most dynamic players in this draft when watching the tape, with a nose for the ball and athleticism that shines on the field.

One of the most critical parts about Thompson, and the part that gives him the ability to switch between safety and linebacker, is his play diagnosis and reaction. He's a smart player who can fill a playmaking void for the Colts. At No. 29, he's worth the position ambiguity.

Scout's Take

"

Washington S/LB Shaq Thompson wound up running an official 4.64, per http://t.co/PYxqrRc4se. Time is fine + showing nice hips and footwork.

— Dion Caputi (@nfldraftupdate) February 22, 2015"

1. Landon Collins, S, Alabama

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Yes, Collins was the first one on my last board. Nothing has changed since then to knock him off the top.

The Colts need a safety, even if they are able to re-sign veteran Mike Adams, who was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2014. Adams would be a short-term solution at best, and only at one starting spot.

Collins is a strong-safety type of player who can give the Colts a hard-hitting presence in the middle of the field. But make no mistake, Collins is far from helpless in coverage. Collins has quick feet and a set of hits that quickly allow for change of direction.

While he doesn't have the biggest range as a single-high safety, his 4.53-second 40-yard dash is more than adequate in the defensive backfield. Collins is far and away the best safety prospect in this draft, and the Colts need a safety.

If he's available, it's a no-brainer, much like Green Bay's selection of former Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix last year.

Scout's Take

"

4.54 for Alabama SS Landon Collins. Really good time at 228 pounds. That's what scouts wanted to see.

— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) February 23, 2015"