The Indianapolis Colts enter this offseason after an excellent 2018 season where they defied expectations and made the playoffs.
Who could they add in the first round this year to help build off of that excellent season?
Byron Murphy | CB | Washington
Murphy may appear as a surprise on this list to some as he has been touted as the top corner in this class by many high level analysts. After a relatively poor combine showing where he ran a 4.55, he could slip in the draft. The small (5-10, 190 pounds) yet talented cornerback would be a perfect fit in the Colts’ zone scheme as he shows excellent burst and ball skills on tape.
That coupled with his sticky off man coverage and versatility to play in the slot could make him a prime candidate for the Colts in round one.
N’Keal Harry | WR | Arizona State
Although it may not seem likely at the moment that the Colts go receiver in round one (despite the major need at the position), they would be hard pressed to pass on the physical specimen from Arizona State. Harry turned heads at the combine after running a 4.53 and jumping an incredible 38.5 inches while coming in at 6-2, 228 pounds.
That coupled with his incredible tape and his stock is sky high at the moment. The Colts need a reliable playmaker opposite of T.Y. Hilton and Harry seems like the perfect fit. The concerns with his route running aside, Harry brings the perfect blend of physicality, playmaking ability, and strength to a position of need for the Colts.
Deionte Thompson | S | Alabama
The times have changed in the draft world as just months ago Thompson was heralded as the next great SEC safety. With concerns of his play speed and tackling as the main concerns, Thompson may fall right into the Colts’ laps at 26.
Those issues may be warranted when watching his tape but he is still a capable player who would compliment Malik Hooker in the Colts’ secondary. With excellent instincts, awareness, ball skills, and a desire to hit, he would fit like a glove in the Colts’ cover two scheme. Adding another instinctual playmaker on the back end would only add to a defense that was 10th in takeaways in the NFL last season.
Charles Omenihu | DL | Texas
General manager Chris Ballard has stated it multiple times this off-season: The Colts need more of a pass rush up front. If they decide to address that need through the draft, the lengthy edge rusher from Texas would be an excellent fit. Omenihu may not be the bendiest or quickest player on the end but where he lacks in speed he makes up for it in explosiveness and power. He posted a 36.5 inch vertical at the combine last week which is quite incredible for a player who is 6-5, 280 pounds.
For the Colts, Omenihu could start as a run defending edge rusher and then move inside on passing downs where his size and quickness off the snap would give interior lineman problems. Ballard wants to address the pass rush and one way to do that is with this talented defensive end.
