The Indianapolis Colts are in the middle of free agency, but the 2019 NFL draft is approaching quickly as the main event is just over one month away.
The Colts are looking to invest heavily in the draft this offseason, and their inactivity early in free agency makes the three-day event that much more vital to the development of the roster.
Using The Draft Network’s mock draft machine, we conducted a full seven-round mock draft for the Colts:
No. 26 overall | Christian Wilkins | DL | Clemson
Being toward the back of the first round, there are some players that can fall to make the decision interesting and challenging. However, if Wilkins is on the board, he would be a perfect fit for the Colts.
Both on the field working in their one-gap front and in the locker room as a leader on the defensive side of the ball, Wilkins is a perfect fit for what general manager Chris Ballard is looking for in a first-round pick.
No. 34 overall | Taylor Rapp | S | Washington
The Colts don’t appear to be investing heavily at the safety position in free agency, which means there is a very high chance they use one of their top picks to grab an immediate starter in the defensive backfield.
Rapp is a versatile safety that can line up all over the secondary. He’s a bit of a limited athlete and shouldn’t be trusted to work as a single-high safety, but his motor, tackling ability and versatility make him a strong candidate for the Colts early on.
No. 59 overall | Charles Omenihu | EDGE/DL | Texas
The Colts must add talent to their pass-rushing corps this offseason, and Ballard has mentioned several times how much they value versatility in a defensive lineman.
Omenihu can be the perfect Day 2 prospect for the Colts given his versatility, size and extreme length. He has the ability to rush the passer from the interior while his length and pass rush moves give him the ability to work from the edge as well.
No. 89 overall | Terry McLaurin | WR | Ohio State
The Colts signed Devin Funchess in free agency and while that won’t keep them from drafting a wide receiver or even two, it likely means they won’t be using a top-60 pick at the position.
However, McLaurin is a perfect fit for the Colts offense as a speedster that ran a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash. He has the size to work on the boundary beating press quickly while also moving into the slot and being a threat in the quick passing game.
No. 129 overall | Isaiah Johnson | CB | Houston
Despite re-signing Pierre Desir, the Colts need to add some depth to the cornerback room. Currently, the boundary corners are Desir and Quincy Wilson, but Johnson could be an intriguing Day 3 pick.
Though he needs development in his first season, Johnson can bring plenty of upside as a former wide receiver. He had a strong combine outing and while he needs coaching, he could eventually turn into a solid starting contributor.
No. 135 overall | Jalen Jelks | EDGE | Oregon
Teams can never get enough pass rushers, and with Jelks sitting on the board available with the Colts’ compensatory pick, it seemed like the right call. Adding him as a development and situational pass rusher could suit the Colts defense well.
Jelks is a long and bendy edge rusher that is likely best suited staying on the edge given his size. He didn’t have an impressive combine outing, but his motor and tenacity make him a nice fit for the Colts as a Day 3 pick.
No. 164 overall | Chuma Edoga | OT | USC
Though it isn’t a pressing matter, the Colts do need to begin searching for Anthony Castonzo’s eventual successor at left tackle, even if they wind up giving him an extension following the 2019 season.
Edoga’s anchor is a bit concerning, but he’s an athletic run blocker that can develop nicely into the protection plans the Colts have going on. In the fifth round, it’s worth taking a shot on an athletic offensive tackle.
No. 199 overall | Benny Snell | RB | Kentucky
The Colts love their running back room, and there is a chance they don’t even add to it during the draft. However, given the reports they are hosting Jay Ajayi in free agency, Ballard is at least interested in adding a potential contributor.
With Marlon Mack intact as the starter, Snell would be a nice addition to the room working as a downhill thumper working in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His vision and body type work well with the Colts’ zone/power scheme.
No. 240 overall | Darius West | S | Kentucky
The Colts are likely going to enter the draft needing some safety depth. West has several concerns about his coverage skills, but wind up working nicely as a depth piece while working mostly on special teams during his rookie season.
He has some injury history concerns given that he’s broken the same leg three times, but he could eventually work in as a sub-package safety while contributing on special teams.
