The Indianapolis Colts are just a few weeks away from the 2020 NFL draft, which is still scheduled to begin on April 23. As those weeks approach quickly, we will be looking at which prospects might be targets for Indy.
As we enter the month of April, we are getting somewhat of a clearer picture on how the Colts might go about their draft. It’s still a crapshoot, especially this year with everything going on, but it is still fun to take a look at some mock drafts and see what type of hauls the Colts might wind up with.
Here’s a look at another full mock draft for the Colts with the big event just under three weeks away using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator:
No. 34 | Laviska Shenault Jr. | WR | Colorado
With free agency mostly over and the Colts coming out of what was their busiest time on the open market since Chris Ballard took over, one thing became clear: the Colts are looking to invest heavily into the wide receiver position during the draft.
How that will fall remains to be seen but in this simulation, the Colts got a tried and true X-receiver. Shenault Jr. might have some concern with the injury that caused him to run a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash at the combine but if he’s available at No. 34, the Colts are going to have to think about choosing him over most other prospects.
Shenault is perfect for the West Coast offense of the Colts. He has the size, strength and explosiveness to work on the outside and his ability to beat the press makes him an ideal pick. He’s extremely savvy after the catch and makes defenders miss with ease.
If Shenault is added to the wide receiver room, the group just got a whole lot more interesting for 2020.
No. 44 | Matt Peart | OT | Connecticut
There are many intriguing offensive tackle prospects for the Colts in this draft, and you better believe Ballard will be keeping an eye on the class. Even with Anthony Castonzo returning for the next two seasons, the depth and future of the position remains a high priority.
Peart is one of the top prospects at the position for the Colts. He has the size, length and athleticism that the Colts like on the edge. The 20-yard shuttle is a bit of a concern, but his tape has shown a mauler who has a high ceiling given his arm length and mentality.
From Zach Hicks of Stampede Blue:
The Colts are looking for a developmental tackle in this class and Peart is the best overall fit for the team. An excellent run blocker, he is a mauler in the open field as he finishes blocks with ease. He is a people mover and already has a great baseline with his athleticism and proficiency in run blocking. The struggles come in pass protection as he needs to develop a bit more and refine his technique in that area. The Colts should fall in love with his demeanor, long arms, and Senior Bowl appearance to go along with his already translatable traits. If the Colts go tackle on day two, I expect Peart to be high on their radar.
The Colts might be able to wait to get an offensive tackle like Peart in the third round, but with the way the board looked, it didn’t appear he would have made it to No. 75.
With this pick, the Colts get a high upside prospect at left tackle to provide depth while working behind one of the game’s best in Castonzo.
No. 75 | Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue
With Jack Doyle leading the way and Mo Alie-Cox still developing both as a blocker and a receiver, the Colts have an underrated need at the tight end position. Enter Hopkins, who is one of the top talents in the class and is likely on the Colts radar given his skill set.
At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, Hopkins ran a 4.66 in the 40-yard dash and has shown plenty of athleticism with the ball in his hands to be a strong threat in the passing game. Hopkins has the size, speed and ball skills to be the TE1 in the room once Doyle eventually leaves. He’s a solid move tight end who creates mismatches for the defense because of his skill set.
From Jacob Infante of Draft Wire:
An athletic player with a good frame for his position, Hopkins is a very fluid weapon who can flip his hips seamlessly and burst well coming out of his breaks. He has great body control and is a coordinated athlete in terms of his ability to move across the middle of the field. He’s a refined route-runner for a tight end, as he does a good job of sinking his hips and making sharp cuts.
After adding Laviska Shenault to the wide receiver room, the Colts passing offense just got very dangerous with the prospect of Hopkins developing quickly.
No. 122 | James Morgan | QB | FIU
Most probably want the Colts to address the quarterback position earlier in the draft. They very well may do so. On Day 2 of this simulation, Jacob Eason and Jalen Hurts were still available, but the Colts seem to have plenty of interest in Morgan as a developmental prospect.
With a strong frame, a big arm and the desire to look downfield, Morgan is an interesting prospect for the Colts. Add in the fact that he’s been lauded for his off-field demeanor and leadership skills, and he becomes more of a Colts-type prospect. Morgan isn’t the best prospect in this quarterback class. He has issues with processing and footwork—two major areas Frank Reich looks at in quarterbacks.
But Morgan also has plenty of traits that could intrigue the Colts on Day 3. Working behind Philip Rivers for at least a season and under Reich as the head coach, there is reason to believe Morgan would improve if drafted by Indy.
No. 160 | Michael Ojemudia | CB | Iowa
The Colts cut Pierre Desir, making it seem like the cornerback position might be high on the priority list during the draft. But after signing both Xavier Rhodes and T.J. Carrie to the roster, the Colts might be willing to wait on a Day 3 prospect who fits their mold.
In most simulations, Ojemudia is gone by this pick. If he’s still available here, it would be a steal for the defense. Ojemudia meets the theoretical arm length threshold (32.25″) the Colts like in their cornerbacks. He’s great for a zone coverage scheme where he can keep his eyes in the backfield while looking to make a play on the ball.
Ojemudia is also known for his run defense, which is a major aspect for the Colts in the cornerback room. There is some development to take place, but adding Ojemudia to the room would be a fantastic fit during the draft.
No. 193 | D.J. Wonnum | EDGE | South Carolina
The Colts have a pretty stout defensive line after the trade for DeForest Buckner and the signing of Sheldon Day, but they could use some depth on the edge. With Justin Houston back for another year and Kemoko Turay and Ben Banogu looking to take their games a step further, adding another pass rusher to the mix wouldn’t hurt.
An explosive edge rusher, Wonnum is an intriguing Day 3 pick for the Colts. He can provide great depth behind Turay and Benaogu as a situational pass rusher. His explosiveness off the ball and athleticism combined with a high motor off the edge would be a nice complement in the room.
Wonnum likely won’t develop into a high-end starter, but he can provide solid depth on third downs and in pass-rushing situations.
No. 197 | Antoine Brooks Jr. | S | Maryland
The Colts have their starting duo at safety in Malik Hooker and Khari Willis while George Odum plays a key role on special teams and in depth purposes. Rolan Milligan was re-signed to a one-year deal, but there is depth needed in the room.
Brooks Jr. isn’t overly flashy. He isn’t all that rangy and doesn’t have high-end athleticism, but he has a high-motor and would be a strong Day 3 pick given his ability to work on special teams. His tackling makes him a solid depth option and Day 3 pick as a back-end piece in the secondary.
