The Indianapolis Colts saw the order of their picks change slightly in the 2020 NFL draft following the announcement of the compensatory picks on Tuesday.
As was to be expected, the Colts didn’t receive any extra draft capital and because of it, a few of their selections were pushed back to make room for others. The rounds most impacted came on Day 3.
With the new pick order for the Colts, here is an updated seven-round mock draft using The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator:
No. 13 | Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
There were a lot of options on the board for the Colts, including both wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III. Those two were difficult to pass up, but the Colts ultimately should be looking to draft a quarterback at the No. 13 spot if they can. In this simulation, Herbert is the choice.
Armed with a high upside and high character, Herbert brings just about everything the Colts could want in a potential franchise quarterback. He has immense arm strength, impressive mobility outside of the pocket and the work ethic, leadership and IQ to be an above-average starter in the league.
There are some concerns with his consistency on downfield throws. He will also need to work on his footwork within the pocket and when facing pressure. Timing and anticipation are also two aspects that will need improvement. Fortunately, all of those things can be improved.
There is a lot to like about Herbert and if he’s on the board at No. 13, it will be difficult for the Colts to pass him up.
No. 34 | Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor
One of the most intriguing wide receivers in a deep class, Mims has the chance to be special. He has the size (6’3, 207), speed (4.38) and athleticism (6.66 3-cone) to enter the league as a prototypical X-receiver. Couple that with his sticky hands and ability to make contested catches, the Colts have a potential WR1 on their hands.
The wide receiver position is one that should intrigue the Colts heavily this offseason. They should be an active team during free agency, but the draft is where they can truly focus on a building block of the future. Mims can be that for the Colts, especially if they decide to wait until Day 2 to make their pick.
Adding Mims to a corps that includes T.Y. Hilton, Parris Campbell, Zach Pascal and potentially a free-agent wide receiver would bring plenty of optimism about a position of need for Indy.
No. 44 | Justin Madubuike | IDL | Texas A&M
This has been one of my favorite picks for the Colts. Getting Madubuike with their second pick in the second round presents upside at the three-technique. Given the free-agent crop, the Colts should also be active in the market before the draft. In predicting that, it would allow the Colts to wait on a high-upside prospect.
There will be some development with Madubuike’s game, especially early on. But the Colts can get the most out of him by setting him up in a penetrating role that simply asks him to use his burst off the line to get upfield as quickly as possible. He has the size to slide to the nose if need be, but he’s best trying to get vertical as a pass rusher.
With some disappointing production coming from the interior, the Colts need to double-dip in free agency and the draft. After hopefully taking someone like Javon Hargrave or D.J. Reader, the Colts can add more talent to the room with Madubuike.
No. 75 | Ben Bartch | OT | St. John
Even with the news that left tackle Anthony Castonzo is expected to return for at least the 2020 season, it is no secret that the Colts have to begin looking at life beyond the veteran. It wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see the Colts use an earlier pick at offensive tackle, but we decided to wait for a talent like Bartch—giving both value and upside.
What makes Bartch so intriguing as a pick in the third round for the Colts is the fact that his pass sets are already above average. Even coming from a Division III school, Bartch showed his technique is up to snuff with some of the best prospects at the Senior Bowl. Some might see a move inside for Bartch, which is understandable.
But his athleticism and footwork to go along with his above-average technique is going to intrigue teams enough to try him out on the edge. The Colts should be one of those teams.
No. 122 | Jabari Zuniga | EDGE | Florida
Day 3 is now where things get a little different for the Colts. They don’t have any compensatory picks, which means their selections in the final four rounds are all pushed back. Starting with Zuniga, the Colts get an edge rusher who could fit what Chris Ballard likes in an upside pick.
The brilliant Zach Hicks of Stampede Blue listed Zuniga as the type of edge prospect that Ballard likes to target on Day 3. Here’s what he said:
Zuniga is a bit of a risk in this draft class. He has had his struggles with injuries and consistencies in his college career. Where he is intriguing as a prospect though is what he could be. He has excellent athleticism and the flashes he showed in college were first round level. He has all the tools to be a top tier defensive end in the league, he just needs development. This fits exactly with what Ballard looks for in his defensive ends and if Zuniga begins to slip in the draft, I bet Ballard gets interested in his upside.
The Colts have their starters in Justin Houston, Kemoko Turay and Al-Quadin Muhammad while Ben Banogu continues to develop. They could also add another depth piece in free agency. With a Day 3 pick like Zuniga, the depth in the room gets stronger.
No. 160 | Dalton Keene | TE | Virginia Tech
When looking at the tight end position, which is an underrated need for the Colts, there are some factors to consider. They already have Jack Doyle as their starter while Mo Alie-Cox continues to develop his game. With their skill sets, the Colts really need to add a move tight end.
Keene needs work, and he’s probably not going to offer a whole lot in terms of blocking. But his athletic profile and ability to create after the catch are two important traits the Colts should be intrigued in for a Day 3 pick. He’s explosive and possesses great change of direction for his size. He didn’t get a whole lot of production at Virginia Tech, but that matters less with tight ends.
The tight end position is important for Frank Reich’s offense, which means the Colts could try to address it earlier. But Keene is an ideal Day 3 pick for Indy if they are looking for athleticism and upside.
No. 193 | A.J. Green | CB | Oklahoma State
Even when considering the down year of Pierre Desir, the Colts have a solid core of young players in the cornerback room. Rock Ya-Sin had a strong rookie campaign, Kenny Moore is one of the best slot corners in the game and Marvell Tell has the type of athleticism to develop into a solid depth piece.
But some additions still need to be made. Hopefully, the Colts will be active in pursuing Byron Jones in free agency. If they do, this pick becomes even better. Green is a Day 3 project, but there is plenty to like about his game. Going back to the Zach Hicks well, he listed Green as a cornerback that fits Ballard’s profile.
Long, lengthy, and really solid in press man. Green quietly had a good week at the Senior Bowl and could be an under the radar late pick for Ballard.
Green also brings some impressive ball skills to the table. He had six interceptions and 21 passes defended in his final three collegiate seasons. He’d be a nice upside/depth addition to the room.
No. 227 | Tyrie Cleveland | WR | Florida
Cleveland fits a mold that Chris Ballard likes in his Day 3 wide receivers. Already adding a potential WR1 in Denzel Mims in the second round, the Colts can get some intriguing upside for the room in Cleveland. Just look at the measurables he brings to the table
An explosive athlete with size and speed, Cleveland can be a perfect Day 3 pick for the Colts to develop into a deep threat. At 6-foot-2 and 209 pounds with a near 40-inch vertical and 4.46 speed. Put all that together, and Cleveland becomes a late-round sleeper in the eyes of Ballard.
