The Indianapolis Colts are hitting a vital time as the month of April begins with the 2019 NFL Draft just weeks away. All they have waited for this offseason is approaching quickly.
While there are several positions the Colts will look to address with their nine selections in the upcoming draft, adding to the edge is still an objective that will need to be achieved throughout the three-day event.
Whether they decide to invest heavily with a first-round pick or wait until Day 3 of the draft, here are some edge prospects in each round for the Colts:
Round 1
Clelin Ferrell, Clemson: Though he isn’t extremely bendy or quick, Ferrell should be among the top options for the Colts. He’s a well-rounded prospect that has a solid combination of size and strength to set a mean edge against the run and find production against the pass.
Brian Burns, Florida State: It’s highly unlikely Burns will fall to the No. 26 overall pick in the draft. If he does, it will be hard to pass him up. A long and bendy edge rusher that showed his added size won’t be detrimental, Burns is a complete pass rusher that would make an immediate impact for the Colts.
Montez Sweat, Mississippi State: Ditto for Sweat. He’s likely to go within the first hour of the draft, but he’s another complete pass rusher that has tested well and put together strong looks on tape. He would make the decision easy for the Colts if he’s available.
Round 2
Charles Omenihu, Texas: There’s a chance he sneaks into the first round, but the consensus is that he will go on Day 2. A versatile pass rusher with admirable length, Omenihu would be a strong fit for the Colts defensive line.
Chase Winovich, West Virginia: Checking a lot of boxes on the Colts’ checklist, Winovich would be a solid fit for the attacking scheme up front. However, his age could be a concern. Still, he has an excellent showing on tape that features a high motor and technical hand usage.
Jachai Polite, Florida: Where Polite will go will remain a mystery until he does. His pre-draft process has been about as bad as can be for a prospect, but his film is undeniable as a pass rusher. If the Colts believe his off-field issues won’t be a problem and he’s there on Day 2, it would be hard to pass up.
Round 3
Christian Miller, Alabama: A tough prospect to gauge, Miller is likely best suited as a 3-4 backer. However, he does have the speed and length the Colts like to feature on the edge, which could make him an interesting pick late on Day 2 if they feel he would produce in a situational pass-rushing role.
Zach Allen, Boston College: A nice fit for the Colts’ scheme as an edge defender that can kick inside, Allen has a high motor and foundational strength but lacks athleticism and speed. He’s a force against the run and could be a versatile piece for the Colts as a Day 2 pick.
Anthony Nelson, Iowa: A pass rusher with a high ceiling and a frame ready for the edge in the NFL, Nelson is intriguing for the Colts if they can develop his game further. He’s got solid length and hand usage but doesn’t have a great athletic profile. Still, he could be a solid addition in the middle rounds.
Round 4
L.J. Collier, TCU: Though he’s not quite a stellar athlete and his game needs work, Collier could find some success working as a power rusher in the Colts’ one-gap front working on the edge. He’s strong and aggressive but is unrefined. Still, his size and strength could intrigue some teams.
Justin Hollins, Oregon: An edge rusher that fits the athletic profile the Colts like, Hollins seems to be improving each season. Having him work one-on-one is best on the edge, and he flashes enough upside to take the risk early on Day 3.
Jaylon Ferguson, LA Tech: Ferguson is here not because this is where he’s projected to go but because this is where his value as a pick begins. Any earlier and this is likely too early. His 8.08 in the three-cone is extremely disappointing, but he could find his way into a rotation as a Day 3 pick.
Round 5
Maxx Crosby, Eastern Michigan: A high-upside prospect worth investing in with a Day 3 pick, Crosby has length and athleticism but needs to add some mass in order to help him better compete at the NFL level.
Gerri Green, Mississippi State: Green has some nice athletic traits, but it remains to be seen where he best fits. The Colts could try to develop him as a project speed rusher.
Round 6
Malik Reed, Nevada: Though he might be undersized, Reed could be a target for the Colts with their sixth-round pick. He’s aggressive off the edge and could develop into the rotation.
Jalen Jelks, Oregon: There are likable traits in Jelks’ game, especially as an edge player but a 4.92 in the 40-yard dash is a bit concerning. He could be a value in the sixth round, though, as a development.
Round 7
Porter Gustin, USC: He’s not athletic at all and lacks quickness, but he plays with brute strength and a mean attitude with some nice hand usage. He has definite holes in his game but could be special teams and backup player.
Jonathan Ledbetter, Georgia: Can’t teach some of what Ledbetter has in his length and frame. A kick inside might be in the future for him, but he could be a late-round pick to eventually work as a role player in the four-man front.
