The Colts look like a completely different team with a healthy Andrew Luck. With a legitimate possibility of a Super Bowl berth, the draft can help put them over the top.
The Offense
The Indianapolis Colts quarterback position is manned by Andrew Luck who is one of the game's best quarterbacks when healthy. Last season he made his return, in a big way, for the team. The offensive line made a huge leap in overall production last season as one of the best groups in the NFL. They ranked 4th overall in run blocking and 2nd overall is pass protection. At running back, Marlon Mack looked like he can carry a heavy workload, last season, after he returned from injury. With the injury concern, and the lack of production from Jordan Wilkins as a backup, the Colts should look at the position. Nyheim Hines is a premier pass catching back and shall continue that role.
The Colts employ two very good pass catching tight ends and could run more two tight end passing sets this season. They have both Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron healthy finally and should be looking for both to contribute. At receiver the Colts have Luck's favorite target in T.Y. Hilton as well as newly signed Devin Funchess. Chester Rogers does most of his work from the slot but the colts could use a little more depth.
The Defense
The defense for the Colts was vastly improved last season as well. The defensive line has a very good interior duo in Margus Hunt and Denico Autry, the latter having a breakout season. Jabaal Sheard also played well on the edge last season but the other edge position is up in the air. They could use some added pass-rush or swing Autry outside and grab a big man for the middle. Darius Leonard was far more than the Colts thought they had drafted as he led the league in tackles. Anthony Walker can man the middle and also played very well. Both are young and will be around for a while. Justin Houston was signed for the strongside but is aging and they should look for a replacement.
The secondary is also a strong group as Kenny Moore II had a breakout season last season and played even better in the playoffs. Pierre Desir also played his best season in 2018 and re-signed with the team moving forward. Quincy Wilson is great depth and he or Nate Hairston should man the slot. Desir is the elder at 28 and Wilson may be his replacement. At safety the colts look solid, as well, having ball hawking Malik Hooker and one of the best tackling safeties, although often injured, Clayton Geathers. Derrick Kindred was added as insurance for Geathers this offseason.
Round 1, Pick #26Â Dexter Lawrence, Defensive Tackle- Clemson
Dexter Lawrence is an absolute beast of a man a t 6'4 and 342 Lbs. Even with that frame he was still able to run a 5.05 second 40 yard dash. At the combine he also put up 36 reps on the bench press showcasing his combination of size, power and speed. Lawrence possesses elite upper body strength and has zero issues moving blockers. Grabbing Lawrence here likely moves Autry outside.
Darius Leonard is a very good blitzer and having Lawrence in the middle will help open up more lanes. Defensive tackle is not a huge need for the Colts but at pick 26 Lawrence is too good to pass up on.
Round 2, Pick #34Â Nassir Adderley, Safety- Delaware
Adderley is a safety with an NFL ready body and frame. He stands at 6'0 and 206 Lbs. but is not limited to strong safety duties. Adderley is a hard hitter but over-commits at times. He also finished with 30 passes defended and 10 interceptions in his collegiate career garnering 2nd Team All-American status in 2018. Both Geathers and Hooker have a scary injury history and Adderley would be an instant starter on another team. With the Colts, he gives them depth at the position and the ability to play more defensive backs given the new pass-happy league.
Round 2, Pick #59Â Jamel Dean, Cornerback- Auburn
Without any true needs for the Colts they can reach on a couple of choices. Dean is a beautiful combination of size and speed for the corner position. He stands at 6'1 and weighs 206 Lbs. and tested amazing athletically at the combine. Dean ran a 4.30 second 40 yard dash, a 41 inch vertical and a 130 inch broad jump. The downside to Dean is he has had multiple knee injuries already in his career. His Freshman year he was never cleared to play and injured his knee again in the 2016 preseason. His last two seasons have been healthy and his physical traits are too much to pass up on here.
Round 3, Pick #90Â Khalen Saunders, Defensive Tackle- Western Illinois
Saunders is yet another big bodied tackle that is very athletic and agile, just like the first pick in this mock. He makes excellent use of his hands and should stake his claim in the NFL, winning with hand fighting. Has a good spin move for a man of his size and a great swim move as well. Saunders will add depth to the line and if Hunt gets injured again than he can step right in. Starting next to Lawrence would make two massive men in the middle.
Round 4, Pick 130Â Porter Gustin, Edge- USC
Gustin has the ability to fill multiple positions for the Colts. He can spell Justin Houston at strongside linebacker, and be his eventual replacement, or he can play across from Jabaal Sheard. Gustin only played in six games as a Senior due to a broken ankle. Even with the shortened season he still led the team in sacks with seven. He also tacked on 28 tackles with 10 going for a loss in those six games. Gustin's health is not a problem as he has an incredible nutrition program and is in great shape. Porter Gustin will start as a substitute but has the ability to become a starter.
Round 4, Pick #136Â Devin Singletary, Running Back- Florida Atlantic
Devin Singletary could have very easily been a second round pick had he not tested so poorly athletically at the combine. He has great vision and is quite elusive even though his combine may disagree. His tape is fun to watch and he is great at making people miss. At the goal line he is a beast and he uses that elite vision to break the plane. During his three-year career he totaled 4,287 rushing yards at six yards per carry and an astounding 66 rushing touchdowns in 38 games. If Mack falls to the injury bug the Colts will need somebody to step in for number one duties. Singletary will be the top option after his addition.
Round 5, Pick #165Â Hunter Renfrow, Wide Receiver- Clemson
Throw a pass Renfrow's direction and he will almost always catch it. He is built in the mold of Wes Welker and has the ability to make a solid NFL career as a slot receiver. Renfrow has played on two National Title teams and was Co-Player of the Game with Deshaun Watson in the 2017 National Title game. The stage has never been too big for Renfrow and the NFL will not change that. He went from walk-on Freshman, Co-Player of the National Title game, to two-time Champion, to now NFL player. Soon enough he will be a starter in the NFL and should have a solid career. He could become a favorite target for Andrew Luck.
Round 6, Pick #201 Kendall Joseph, Linebacker- Clemson
There is a legit possibility that Kendall Joseph does not fall this late. He has shown great production over his three years as a starter but has benefited from playing behind a stacked defensive line. During his time with the Tigers he totaled 281 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, two passes defended, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Joseph has decent bend and will probably be bet suited in the NFL at strongside linebacker, a position the Colts will need soon.
Round 7, Pick #242Â Ashton Dulin, Wide Receiver- Malone
Ashton Dulin is a small school receiver with good production and solid size for a receiver. He can line up all over the field and averaged just under 100 yards per game receiving. Over the last two seasons he has also totaled 26 touchdowns during that span. He measures in at 6'1 and 215 Lbs. and runs a 4.43 second 40 yard dash while adding a 38 inch vertical. Malone is also a track star at the University and his hands and speed give him the opportunity to carve out a role as a return man.
Summary
The Colts roster one of the best teams in the NFL and have nine picks in the 2019 draft. They decide, "why not draft players who just won multiple championships?". With the 26th, 165th, and 201st picks the Colts draft players from the Clemson Championship teams. They grab defensive line standout Dexter Lawrence, slot man Hunter Renfrow, and linebacker Kendall Joseph. With the first of their two second round picks they grab versatile safety Nasir Adderley to add to the secondary. With the second pick in the second round the Colts grab ultra athletic and big bodied corner Jamel Dean to add to the plethora of corners they have.
In the third round the Colts grab another huge and athletic interior lineman Khalen Saunders who could form a massive duo with Lawrence. In the fourth round the Colts start by adding edge rusher and Mr. Nutrition Porter Gustin. He should spell the others in the edge nicely. With their second pick in the fourth round the Colts select Devin Singeltary who could be a nice change of pace back to match with Marlon Mack. With their final pick the Colts go small school and grab track star and big bodied receiver Ashton Dulin to come in and compete to return kicks.
Follow me on Twitter @JoeyTheToothIDP. Keep an eye out for the rest of my Mock Draft series as I cover every team leading up to the 2019 draft. Listen to the F3Pod Podcast as @Lanny1925, @dubsfans02, and myself co-host to bring you all of your dynasty football needs. Remeber...the Tooth has the taste for IDP.
