The Indianapolis Colts have months before they have to make the vital decision in their first-round pick for the 2019 NFL Draft, which comes at the end of April.
The process of the draft season changes many things as it goes along, and free agency will certainly have a hand in steering the Colts toward their eventual selection.
Though it is early in the process, here are five prospects the Colts could select in the first round:
Christian Wilkins | DL | Clemson
Though he had hype as a very early draft pick during the season, the train has slowed down a bit, and most draft pundits have Wilkins going somewhere in the last 12 picks.
The Colts have made it clear they want to prioritize the pass rush this offseason both on the edge and the interior. A strong athlete with the ability to disrupt the interior of the pocket, Wilkins is someone Chris Ballard could target with the first pick,
A high-character player, Wilkins could become an immediate starter in the Colts’ attacking front while solidifying his role in the locker room as a young leader.
Brian Burns | EDGE | Florida State
It still remains to be seen if Burns will be available for the Colts at the end of the first round, but if they are looking for a potential premier pass rusher, he’s their guy.
>>>Draft Wire Edge Rusher Rankings<<<
A long and bendy rusher from the edge, Burns is a prospect that could fly up the first round if he has a strong combine given his size, bend, burst and production during his time at Florida State.
The Colts need an edge rusher that can take over a game, and Burns could very well be that option for them at the end of the first round if he’s available.
N’Keal Harry | WR | ASU
While it isn’t expected that the Colts take a wide receiver with their first-round pick, there is always the chance it happens if Ballard feels the player available is worthy of that high investment.
>>>Draft Wire Wide Receiver Rankings<<<
Though it is more likely the Colts will address other positions that hold a bit more value, Harry could represent the top wide receiver on the board at the back end of the first round. While D.K. Metcalf isn’t projected to be there, Harry has ideal size, speed and separation ability to be an immediate starter on the outside.
Harry would give the Colts an immediate No. 2 wide receiver while also serving as the successor to T.Y. Hilton whenever the latter hangs up the cleats. Kelvin Harmon is also an option if the Colts take a first-round receiver.
Deandre Baker | CB | Georgia
While adding to the pass rush is a necessity, the secondary is also in need of some talented depth. At the cornerback position, Baker appears to be a perfect fit for the Colts’ zone-heavy scheme run by Matt Eberflus.
A physical corner that excels in press coverage, the Colts are looking to add that type of defender. Though he may be a bit undersized at 185 pounds, his immense production against the top offenses in college football.
With the Colts running plenty of zone coverage, Baker’s work as a press corner would help disrupt the timing of routes while making it difficult to find separation.
Jerry Tillery | DT | Notre Dame
Sticking to the theme of adding to the defensive line, the Colts could look right in their own backyard for their first selection for the second year in a row.
While Tillery does have his inconsistencies, he would be a nice fit for the Colts in their one-gap attacking front working mostly as a three-technique. However, he has had past work as a one-tech, which could improve his stock with the Ballard given the former’s versatility.
It isn’t clear if Tillery will be a late first-round pick, but he will likely be near the top of the board toward the back end of the first round come April, which means he’s a guy to keep an eye on during the draft process.
