The Indianapolis Colts are just under a month away from the big event in the 2019 NFL Draft, which begins April 25. It will be what they have been waiting for all offseason.
With the draft less than a month away, we at Colts Wire will be conducting a full seven-round mock draft each week using The Draft Network’s mock draft machine.
Here is our first seven-round mock draft of the series leading up to the draft:
No. 26 overall: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
In the simulation, most of the top pass rushers were gone, as was the top safety prospect. The pick came down between Notre Dame defensive tackle Jerry Tillery and Murphy, who was the eventual choice.
The top cornerback in this year’s class, Murphy is an elite prospect. He would fit extremely well in the Colts’ defensive scheme utilizing his high football IQ, route recognition and ability to click and close quickly.
He also brings along with him excellent ball skills and a willingness to tackle. Murphy wouldn’t have to start right away, but he would compete immediately for snaps on the boundary while giving Indy a future blue-chip player on defense.
No. 34 overall: Jerry Tillery, DL, Notre Dame
This is why Murphy was the choice in Round 1. If any of the two players were going to slip to the second round, it was Tillery. The gamble paid off, and the Colts were able to grab an athletic prospect on the interior.
Tillery, who can work both at the shade and the three-technique, is likely best suited for an attacking front like the Colts where his main job is to simply get upfield and disrupt the top of the pocket. There are some inconsistencies in his game against the run, but he would work perfectly in the one-gap front for the Colts.
There is a good chance Tillery winds up being the Colts’ first-round pick depending on the board, but if he falls to the second round, there aren’t many prospects that should be taken over him.
No. 59 overall: Amani Hooker, S, Iowa
Even with re-signing Clayton Geathers and Matthias Farley to one-year deals, the Colts need to address the safety situation. Adding another Hooker to the defensive backfield wouldn’t be a terrible way to do so.
Best suited for a two-high defense that runs mostly zone coverage, Hooker would be an immediate fit for Matt Eberflus’ defense. With strong ball skills and a high football IQ, Hooker could be one of Chris Ballard’s favorites on Day 2.
The Iowa product also has the ability to play near the line of scrimmage and either help against the run or work a shallow zone, which would allow the other Hooker (Malik) to work as the single-high safety, which is a package the Colts like to run on third downs.
No. 89 overall: Renell Wren, DL, Arizona State
This was a tough selection. There weren’t any standout players available at the time so the process called for best player available. With how the board looked, Wren was the best prospect at the most valuable position.
Adding Wren would make the defensive line crowded, but that’s what Ballard wants. Competition. Outside of Margus Hunt and Denico Autry, the depth is very thin along the interior. Tyquan Lewis is expected to take more snaps there, but some depth can still be added.
Wren has some traits to build around, including excellent length and a very quick first step. He’s raw in terms of a pass rush plan and his hand usage, which is often inconsistent, but he’d be able to work well in rotation and on special teams while he develops his high-upside game.
No. 129 overall: Stanley Morgan Jr., WR, Nebraska
Entering Day 3 of the draft, Ballard will be expected to address the skill positions, namely wide receiver. There are some very intriguing options for the Colts if they opt to wait, but Morgan Jr. should be at the top of their list.
An excellent route runner, Morgan Jr. would thrive in the Colts’ offensive system while competing for snaps. He can be a versatile piece working both in the slot and on the outside while showcasing an innate ability to make contested catches.
He won’t wow anybody with speed, but he’s a shifty playmaker that would fit well into the depth of the offense immediately.
No. 135 overall: Jalen Jelks, EDGE, Oregon
There is a very high chance the Colts opt to address this position earlier in the draft but it never seemed right during this simulation. However, Jelks is a guy they should target in the fourth round if he’s available.
Though he was used all along the Oregon front, Jelks would be best suited working primarily on the edge. He’s a bendy pass rusher that is extremely raw in his plan. He’s certainly a project but someone that the Colts could work with as a situational pass rusher to help hone his skills.
He would need to add some mass to his frame, but his length and quickness could be intriguing enough to take early on Day 3.
No. 164 overall: Foster Moreau, TE, LSU
In hindsight, this shouldn’t have been the pick. It should have been Alex Bars, who I was hoping would fall. However, I’m still okay with it given what Moreau could potentially bring to the Colts tight end room down the line.
Moreau would be a project for the Colts but one that could turn into a dual-threat option. He can line up on the offensive line and in the backfield. He’s limited as a pass catcher but he could still work as a short-yardage option for the offense.
Moreau has solid speed for his size and his ability as a run blocker would intrigue the Colts greatly. It wouldn’t be a spectacular pick, but Moreau would fill the “Jack Doyle role” just fine.
No. 199 overall: Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson
While the Colts have their starting offensive line set for the 2019 season, there is depth that needs to be added. Hyatt is more of a project but one that could work well with what the Colts do.
He likely wouldn’t be the successor to Anthony Castonzo at left tackle as a move inside could be in his future. He has good length but a poor anchor and struggles against speed. The Colts have a quick-hitting offense that could cover some of his issues.
Regardless, Hyatt hs a high football IQ and would fit extremely well in the culture of the roster and the offensive line room. He’s a depth piece but one that could turn into a decent option in the sixth round.
No. 240 overall: Ka’dar Hollman, CB, Toledo
Even with the selection of Murphy in the first round, some depth could be added to the cornerback room. Hollman is certainly a project for the Colts, but he’s extremely athletic, and they’ve shown a bit of interest in him.
Hollman has some enticing traits for the Colts as a Day 3 flier. He’s fast, explosive and agile while having the ability to work both on the boundary and in the slot. He’s also relatively physical at the line of scrimmage.
Hollman wouldn’t need to step into a major role right away, which could lead the Colts to taking him with their last pick hoping to mold him into a solid depth piece given his traits.
