It’s been a tumultuous offseason for the Indianapolis Colts. First, they fired Chuck Pagano, which was absolutely necessary, and they picked what should have been the right guy to replace him, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. There was only one problem; McDaniels backed out at the last minute.
The back up plan for the Colts might actually work out better than Plan A as they brought in Philadelphia Eagles OC Frank Reich to take over as the new commander in chief. While all that nuttiness was going on, Andrew Luck’s health remains a concern. While Luck is participating in team workouts, there’s still no word on how he’s throwing the ball (or if he’s throwing at all). We probably won’t know how he’s really feeling until training camp.
In spite of that, Indy must move forward as if Luck will play this season. I’ve put their draft together with that same view.
Round 1, Pick 6: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
6-5, 329 pounds
It’s rare that the best offensive lineman in a draft is a guard, but that’s what we’re dealing with in 2018. There’ll be a temptation to take defense here, but that only makes sense if Nelson is already off the board. Indianapolis must invest everything they can in keeping Luck healthy and on the field. Their franchise depends on it.
Round 2, Pick 36: Dorian O’Daniel, OLB, Clemson
2017: 88 tackles, 11.5 for a loss, five sacks, two interceptions, two returned for touchdowns, five passes defended, two fumble recoveries (6-1, 215 pounds)
The Colts’ starting outside linebackers in their 3-4 last season produced a total of 7.5 sacks between them. That’s just not good enough. O’Daniel should improve the pass rush and also be able to play the OLB spot straight up on non-passing downs.
Round 2, Pick 37: Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
2017: 261 carries, 1,550 yards, 19 touchdowns, 5.9 yards per carry, 14 catches, 187 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown (6-0, 200 pounds)
There should be a solid group of starting caliber running backs still available in the second round and Indianapolis desperately needs one. They patched their backfield with the desiccated corpse of Frank Gore for a few seasons, but it’s time to start over with a young guy. Jones is a first round talent that can be an every-down back.
Round 2, Pick 49: Josh Sweat, DE, Florida State
2017: 56 tackles, 12.5 for a loss, 5.5 sacks, three passes defended (6-4, 250 pounds)
As ineffective as the Colts’ OLBs were last year in rushing the passer, their defensive line was even worse. Johnathan Hankins and Margus Hunt combined for just three sacks, which is why Hankins was shown the door. Sweat should take over a starting spot almost immediately.
Round 3, Pick 67: Auden Tate, WR, Florida State
2017: 40 catches, 548 yards, 10 touchdowns (6-5, 225 pounds)
The Colts have patched together a wide receiver group from NFL cast-offs this season after finally letting Donte Moncreif walk the plank. They also tossed Kamar Aiken, who I thought would thrive in Indy. Needless to say, the must get a legitimate wideout out of this class. Tate could likely start outside along with T.Y. Hilton from Day One.
Round 4, Pick 104: Rasheem Green, DE, USC
2017: 41 tackles, 12.5 for a loss, 10 sacks, four passes defended, one forced fumble (6-4, 275 pounds)
If you read my edge rusher rankings, you know I’m high on Green and feel like he’s undervalued in this draft. That’ll only play off for the Colts if they snatch him up here in the fourth round. He can play with his hand in the turf or as a stand-up outside linebacker, depending on the down.
Round 5, Pick 140: Trey Quinn, WR, Southern Methodist
2017: 114 catches, 1,236 yards, 13 touchdowns (6-0, 202 pounds)
Why so many wide receivers? Have you checked to Colts’ roster? Right now, outside of Hilton, their other starting wideout in Ryan Grant who only signed with Indianapolis because he failed a physical with the Baltimore Ravens. Hilton is the speedster, so Indy needs guys that can get open int he middle of the field and catch the ball. Quinn should fit that mold.
Round 6, Pick 178: Dane Cruikshank, CB, Arizona
2017: 74 tackles, 4.5 for a loss, one sack, three interceptions, five passes defended, one forced fumble (6-1, 206 pounds)
Reich has his work cut out for him in building a legit NFL roster after the mess Pagano left. He’ll really have to work post-draft free agency to fill holes. This pick at least gives him a possible future starting corner with the size and athleticism to play against big-bodied receivers.
Round 7: Pick 221: Jack Cichy, ILB, Wisconsin
2017: N/A
Cichy didn’t play last season, but was very productive in 2016, recording 60 tackles, seven for a loss, 1.5 sacks, two passes defended.
