The Indianapolis Colts are entering the final month of work before the 2019 NFL Draft arrives at the end of April, which is the big event for general manager Chris Ballard.
Despite bringing in veteran pass rusher Justin Houston, the Colts are likely going to leave the draft with another edge rusher on the roster. However, there is a chance they wait until the middle rounds to grab some depth.
Should they do so, here are four mid-round edge rushers the Colts could consider in the draft:
Jalen Jelks, Oregon
Jelks is an intriguing target for the Colts if they decide to wait until the middle of the draft to add some depth to the edge. He’s a fast edge rusher that features plenty of flexibility from the edge, though he wasn’t used in that role as much for the Ducks.
Jelks would be a project for the Colts. He doesn’t have consistent hand usage and he does fail to shed blocks with consistency. The Colts would need to be willing to work with him in a rotational role, but the traits are there for a strong Day 3 pick if he gets that far.
The Colts will want to keep him on the edge given his size, even if Jelks does wind up adding some mass.
Joe Jackson, Miami (FL)
With a prototypical build for a defensive end, Jackson could be a nice target for the Colts if he gets to the late third round or anywhere on Day 3. He’s well built to handle the edge in a 4-3, but he would need some time to develop.
Tight in the hips, Jackson offers some strength from the edge, but his inability to extend sufficiently in order to separate from his blockers keeps him from being a consistent threat. He dips his shoulders well at times, but overall doesn’t offer much flexibility as a pass rusher when running the arc.
Still, Jackson could work for the Colts in a rotation while he develops with an opportunity to kick inside if need be.
Zach Allen, Boston College
It isn’t clear how early the Colts would have to use a pick on Allen if they like him enough to do so. Most mock drafts don’t have him falling past the third round. Regardless, Allen’s motor and play demeanor should intrigue the Colts, even if he isn’t the most athletic edge rusher.
With the size to play defensive end in the Colts’ 4-3 alignment, Allen is a strong edge rusher that does have some burst in his first step. He’s not a bendy edge rusher, but he sets a strong edge and could work into the rotation as a pass rusher.
