The Indianapolis Colts made some big moves during the first week of free agency. From trading for a stud defensive tackle to signing a veteran quarterback to a one-year deal, those moves are likely to shake up the draft approach.
Though it is impossible to know for sure what the Colts will be thinking if and when the draft starts on April 23, we can run through some scenarios as to what those options might look like if they decide to use a certain process. For this, we will be taking the approach of a late-round quarterback after signing Philip Rivers in free agency.
Using The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator, here’s a look at a full seven-round projection with the idea of taking a quarterback late:
No. 34 | Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mississippi State
Following the release of veteran cornerback Pierre Desir, the position has become a massive need. The Colts have to find a viable starter on the boundary to replace Desir, especially considering the rest of the room isn’t ready to be starters yet.
Dantzler is a sticky coverage corner who has length and height to go along with physicality that should intrigue general manager Chris Ballard. There is still plenty of work to be done in Dantzler’s game, but he’s a solid fit for a zone defense. He had five interceptions and 20 passes defended over the last three seasons at Mississippi State.
No. 44 | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
There are a lot of difficult options at wide receiver when it comes to the second round of the draft. There is so much volatility that it can be difficult to figure out who projects best to the NFL. Despite a lack of production, Peoples-Jones should be on the Colts’ radar by the middle of the second round.
An amazing athlete, Peoples-Jones is explosive and fast while possessing the size to work all over the formation. He tested in the 99th percentile in both the broad jump and vertical jump while his 4.48 in the 40-yard dash shows he can run with the best of them. He might not be on the boundary all the time, but Peoples-Jones has all of the traits to be a successful wide receiver for the Colts.
No. 75 | Ben Bartch | OT | St. John
The Colts need to find Anthony Castonzo’s replacement while also getting some depth on the offensive line. Bartch should be considered one of the top options for the Colts on Day 2 and could present a strong value in the draft, especially since he won’t have to start right away.
With the aggressive mindset of a mauler to go along with pristine footwork in both pass protection and run blocking, Bartch should be a top target for the Colts. He comes from a smaller school, but he showed out at the Senior Bowl. He seems like a really good fit for Chris Ballard.
No. 122 | Damien Lewis | IOL | LSU
Talk about an aggressive mindset. Lewis would be a wonderful depth piece for the Colts while he develops his game. He has that mentality the Colts love in their offensive linemen—the one that essentially has them driving defenders into the dirt through the whistle.
Some would argue that Lewis has starting capabilities right away and while he might not possess elite traits or the upside of a Quenton Nelson, the Colts need to add depth to the interior behind Mark Glowinski. Lewis would give him a run for the starting role at right guard.
No. 160 | James Morgan | QB | Florida International
The late-round quarterback. With Philip Rivers signed to a one-year deal and Jacoby Brissett seemingly sticking around, the Colts could wait until later in the draft to grab a developmental quarterback while stockpiling depth and talent at other positions. Morgan is a solid target on Day 3 if the Colts want to do that.
With high-character and intriguing arm talent, Morgan presents the Colts with an option under center that needs development. He has shown the desire to push the ball downfield and while his pocket mobility and decision making do need improvement, he has the traits that could intrigue both Frank Reich and Chris Ballard on Day 3.
It should also be noted that the Colts have expressed interest in Morgan earlier this offseason.
No. 193 | Antoine Brooks Jr. | S | Maryland
It isn’t yet clear where Brooks fits in a defense. He could be used as a box safety or more of a SAM linebacker depending on the scheme. The Colts don’t often employ three linebackers and they do have a need at safety depth behind Khari Willis and Malik Hooker.
Brooks Jr. is best suited for a defensive alignment that often implements two deep safeties. The Colts used more single-high looks during the 2019 season, but they also implemented plenty of split safeties as well. Brooks Jr. would be a fine Day 3 pick to add depth to the secondary and help on special teams.
No. 197 | Raequan Williams | IDL | Michigan State
The Colts got their three-technique in DeForest Buckner. They still also have Denico Autry and the embattled Tyquan Lewis behind him in the B-gap. With Grover Stewart making strides as a run-stopper, there is depth needed behind him. Williams fits that mold of working at the one-technique in the Colts’ one-gap front.
There are plenty of areas that need work in Williams’ game. That’s why he’s a sixth-round projection. However, he would be a solid fit as a rotational piece behind Stewart at the one-technique while the Colts could also bring in a cheaper veteran to work with the duo at the nose.
