Even though free agency has yet to begin, the Indianapolis Colts will be looking to use the 2019 NFL Draft as an avenue of adding more depth to an already talent foundation.
The draft is still months away, and free agency will have a lot of say in which direction the Colts will go, but we conducted a quick, three-round mock draft using Fanspeak’s mock draft tool.
Here’s a look at the three-round mock draft:
No. 26 overall | Christian Wilkins | DL | Clemson
There were a few ways we could have gone with this pick, though Wilkins was far and wide the best choice on the board. Given the Colts’ need for interior pass rushers and Wilkins’ talent and character, he seems to be almost a perfect fit in the first round.
>>>Christian Wilkins Draft Profile<<<
Though he does lack the desired length and size for a three-technique, Wilkins is able to win in several ways, especially with his understanding of hand usage and leverage.
A quick athlete, Wilkins would be an ideal pick for the Colts in the first round giving them a disruptive force on the interior in Matt Eberflus’ attacking front.
Wilkins is ranked as the No. 4 interior defensive lineman by Draft Wire.
No. 34 | Charles Omenihu | EDGE | Texas
The Colts’ main priority will be the pass rush this offseason, and they could very well address the need in free agency, which would make this selection much different. Since we aren’t there yet, Omenihu presented the best option.
A versatile defender that can line up all over the defensive line, Omenihu is flying a bit under the radar in a deep defensive class. Some have him ranked as an interior defensive lineman, but he’s shown the ability to have a complete skill set rushing the passer and setting the edge against the run.
Some might feel this is a bit early, but Omenihu would give the Colts versatility and production from the edge while they can kick him inside on third downs.
Omenihu is the No. 10 ranked interior defensive lineman by Draft Wire.
No. 58 overall | Chauncey Gardner-Johnson | S | Florida
Like defensive end, there is a high chance the Colts decide to add depth to the safety position in free agency. However, Gardner-Johnson might be a player Chris Ballard likes on Day 2.
Though a consistent motor is something he will have to prove, Gardner-Johnson has prototypical size for a safety. He’s extremely versatile. He can play deep in a split zone, roam as a free safety or play in the box near the line of scrimmage.
The Colts have a massive need at the safety position, and Gardner-Johnson would give the defensive backfield a long term option of versatility.
Gardner-Johnson is the No. 4 ranked safety by Draft Wire.
No. 89 overall | Lil’Jordan Humphrey | WR | Texas
There weren’t a ton of options to go with in Round 3. Taking a cornerback is likely the next need, but most of the options would have been considered a reach, and Ballard has made it clear they won’t draft solely based on need.
However, at the wide receiver position, Humphrey provides the Colts with an intriguing prospect that has ideal size with the ability to make defenders miss after the catch, which is an aspect that was lacking in the receiving game.
Humphrey finished the 2018 season with 86 receptions for 1,176 yards and nine touchdowns. He had four games in which he went over 100 receiving yards.
Humphrey is the No. 13 ranked wide receiver by Draft Wire.
