The Indianapolis Colts are officially one week away from the 2019 NFL Draft, which is the event they have been waiting for all offseason.
As they finalize their draft board, the Colts will place a heavy emphasis on prospects that fit into what they look for on offense, defense and certainly how they fit in the locker room.
Here are six prospects that are perfect fits for the Colts in the draft:
WR Parris Campbell, Ohio State
There are several wide receiver prospects that fit what the Colts like to do, including Campbell’s teammate in Terry McLaurin. However, when watching Campbell’s film, it is evident that he would thrive in a scheme that would maximize his talents as a horizontal target.
Campbell brings reliable hands, decent route running and excellent work after the catch. He’s likely best suited to work as a Z-receiver or flanker with the majority of his reps coming from the slot. His ability to find separation quickly would help Andrew Luck immensely.
The Colts would likely have to spend a second-round pick to get Campbell, and it isn’t clear if they are willing to do that. Regardless, he would be a perfect fit for the Colts offense.
DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson
When talking about the perfect prospect throughout the entire draft class for the Colts, Wilkins is likely the one that tops the list. He fits exactly what they need as an interior pass rusher while also fitting the mold in what Indy wants as a locker room guy.
Being able to work all over the defensive front, Wilkins is an athletic interior pass rusher that makes up for his lack of length with a high motor, an array of pass rush moves and an excellent first step off the ball.
The chances of Wilkins being available for the Colts at No. 26 are low, but there should be little hesitation if he’s available.
DE Brian Burns, Florida State
Another prospect that is likely to be long gone by the time the Colts are on the clock, Burns is exactly what Indy is looking for in an edge rusher. While he’s unlikely to be available, there is still a chance he falls.
With elite burst off the ball and an impressive repertoire of pass rush moves, Burns is able to run the arc successfully with speed and length. His strength could be a concern, but he showed he can add weight and still test as an elite athlete.
The edge rusher group is a mixed bag this year, but Burns is an option that would fit perfectly into the Colts’ attacking front.
CB Justin Layne, Michigan State
Cornerback isn’t an immediate need for the Colts, but it isn’t a position they should ignore during the draft like they did in 2018. Layne is a prospect the Colts could target on Day 2 given his high ceiling of turning into an above average starter in the league.
Layne plays with excellent length and size to work the boundary. His ball skills fit into exactly what Chris Ballard wants in his defensive backs. He would fit perfectly into the heavy-zone scheme the Colts like to run while utilizing his skills using press coverage.
There are some areas Layne needs to clean, especially as a tackler, but he would be a wonderful addition on Day 2 as a cornerback that would eventually become a star for the Colts.
S Taylor Rapp, Washington
There are a few safeties that fit exactly what the Colts like to do in their defensive backfield, but Rapp is exactly the type of prospect that Ballard might target on Day 2.
Though his range may be limited, Rapp is an excellent complement next to Malik Hooker. His strength and instincts against the run would work extremely well as a third level defender or when working close to the line of scrimmage. His ball skills need work, and he isn’t a burner, but Rapp has the makings to be a long-term contributor for the Colts.
It’s likely the Colts would have to use a Day 2 pick to grab Rapp, but he would be a perfect complement to Hooker in the two-high scheme Indy runs so often.
TE Foster Moreau, LSU
Tight end isn’t a need for the Colts, but that won’t stop them from looking at options to add to a position of strength. We know they are happy with the room being led by Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron, but Moreau would be a nice addition on Day 3.
Moreau isn’t a flashy tight end prospect. He was used primarily as a blocker with the Tigers, but he has the chance to be a solid pass catcher as well at the next level. As a complete tight end, Moreau could eventually fill the Doyle role as a three-down tight end.
Moreau isn’t expected to be a Gronk or Travis Kelce tight end, but he would fit perfectly into what the Colts like to do in terms of heavy packages while being a short target in the passing game.
