Entering the 2020 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts are much better on the defensive line than they were at the beginning of the offseason. But they could still add to the edge during the offseason’s biggest event.
With seven picks between Rounds 2–6, the Colts will have ample opportunity to add to the edge rusher room that already includes Justin Houston, Kemoko Turay, Ben Banogu and Al-Quadin Muhammad as the players heavily in the rotation.
Even without a first and seventh-round pick, here is the best EDGE prospect for the Colts in each round of the draft:
Round 1: K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU
Even if the Colts were to trade up into the 20s on Day 1, Chaisson likely wouldn’t be available. However, there have been some questions rising about his scheme limits primarily projecting as a 3-4 outside linebacker and not necessarily one that would put his hand in the dirt consistently.
However, Chaisson has the speed and bend around the edge to get after the quarterback consistently while also having the recognition and burst off the line to be extremely intriguing for the Colts. It’s highly unlikely they would be able to trade up for him but if he somehow falls to the back end of the first round, it would have to be something they consider.
Other prospects: A.J. Epenesa, Iowa | Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
Round 2: Josh Uche, Michigan
The biggest question with Uche would be whether he works as an outside linebacker or one that puts his hand in the dirt on the edge. Regardless, his twitch and flexibility when running the arc makes him an intriguing prospect for the Colts, especially given their affinity for bendy edge rushers.
His athleticism and length are worth the development needed to mold Uche into a consistent edge rusher and with Houston and Turay leading the room, Uche would be able to hone his skills and perfect his craft in a pass-rushing role early on.
Other prospects: Terrell Lewis, Alabama | Julian Okwara, Notre Dame
Round 3: Jabari Zuniga, Florida
One of the best fits for the Colts in the entire draft at the edge rusher position, Zuniga would be an instant upgrade to the depth and talent of the defensive end room. There is a lot of potential for Zuniga to be a consistent impact player on the edge in both phases of the game.
He’s explosive and athletic with the versatility to line up all over the defensive formation. His traits are likely worth a third-round pick and even though he isn’t the most flexible edge rusher, he has the potential to turn into a strong edge piece for the Colts with some development.
Other prospects: Jonathan Greenard, Florida | Bradlee Anae, Utah
Round 4: Alex Highsmith, Charlotte
With a starting duo already in place, Highsmith would step in as a sub-package rusher at the beginning while he develops his game. He hasn’t reached his potential yet but his athletic traits should allow him to be a strong developmental project early on.
He has plenty of moves to work with in his pass-rushing plan and seems to have a high IQ coming off the edge. Where he fits as an edge piece remains to be seen. Some might prefer him as a 3-4 outside linebacker while others project him as a base defensive end in an even front. There is enough upside to make Highsmith worthy of a mid-round pick.
Other prospects: Anfernee Jennings, Alabama
Round 5: Alton Robinson, Syracuse
Coming out of Syracuse, Robinson shows solid burst off the edge. However, he’s likely in need of adding some size before he can constantly be in the rotation for the Colts. There are a lot of traits to like about his game as an edge rusher, but they need a lot of refinement.
His burst is enough to intrigue teams to use a Day 3 pick on him. He wouldn’t be in the rotation as a starter right away and would likely have to develop his abilities in setting the edge, but he has what it takes to start out as a sub-package rusher and potentially work his way into the rotation.
Round 6: D.J. Wonnum, South Carolina
If the Colts wanted to use a Day 3 pick on a bendy and flexible edge rusher, Wonnum is the target. He is one of the ideal edge rusher prospects the Colts could target on the final day of the draft. He has a high motor that is constantly running hot with solid bend and hand usage to help him win.
He likely needs to add some more size to his frame to help set the edge better. He shows good footwork but there have been questions about his plan as a pass rusher. Wonnum would be a strong value on Day 3 to add to the defensive end room.
Round 7: Derrek Tuszka, North Dakota State
There are some polarizing thoughts on Tuzka, mainly where he will be drafted. Some have him listed as a seventh-rounder while others could see teams banking on his athletic traits to be a late Day 2/Early Day 3 pick.
Coming from the FCS, Tuszka has a high motor and an intriguing amount of bend when running the arc. The jump in competition might be a concern and would likely keep him from making an immediate impact, but he’s a great Day 3 target who has an extremely high ceiling if the Colts can develop him correctly.
