With the 2023 NFL draft just a month away, the mock drafts have only increased in volume, and the Indianapolis Colts are one of the teams setting the tone for the biggest weekend of the offseason.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid released a full mock draft with seven rounds We’re going through all 259 picks, which means we now have a chance to break down the selections he made for Indy.
Reid’s collective haul for the Colts was impressive. The selections he made in the mock are very “Chris Ballard-like” in terms of both value and prospect profiles.
Here’s a look at the Colts’ haul from Reid’s complete mock draft:
round 1
4.QB Anthony Richardson, Fla
The wide range of draft choices is the first off the board for the Colts. In Reid’s taunt, the Colts added the quarterback with the highest advantage in the class.
Here’s what Reid said about the selection:
Of all the first-round passers, Richardson fits best into new coach Shane Steichen’s system. Steichen has done a great job with Jalen Hurts as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator. Richardson’s combination of arm strength and mobility means he has plenty of potential to form despite only starting 13 games in college. The last quarterback in Round 1 to have that few starts? Mitch Trubisky in 2017, who also had 13. Richardson needs polish, but he’d go into a situation at Indianapolis with competent offensive goals and a strong running game to ease his transition.
round 2
35.CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia
The Colts have showed great interest in Ringo throughout the pre-draft process and the need to add a boundary corner is almost on par with the need to add a quarterback.
Here’s what Reid said about Ringo’s selection:
Indianapolis traded out veteran Stephon Gilmore, leaving a gap on the outside corner. Ringo might fit here – he needs to play in a scheme that involves a mix of zone and man coverage principles. He has some bad bits in the film, but his physical tools are enticing. Ringo, who is 6-2, ran a 4.36-second, 40-yard dash at the combine.
round 3
79. OT Tyler Steen, Alabama
Adding depth to the offensive line is also one of the Colts’ biggest needs, and it’s likely they’ll address the unit sometime during day two of the draft. At 32 3/4 inches, Steen doesn’t have the arm length for a typical offensive tackle, but that hasn’t affected his passing sets. Steen has a chance to become a solid swing tackle with starter potential, which is exactly what the Colts need.
Here’s what Reid said about Steen’s selection:
The Colts have taken no offseason steps to improve their offensive line, suggesting they could wait until the draft to add depth. With four years of productive SEC service at offensive tackle, many reviewers believe Steen will eventually develop into a starter at tackle or guard.
round 4
106.IOL McClendon Curtis, Chattanooga
By doubling the offensive line depth, Curtis would be a deep play inside and likely competition for Will Fries and Danny Pinter at the right guard position. The Colts are banking on his size and length to develop into a quality piece down the offensive line.
round 5
138. EDGE KJ Henry, Clemson
162. WR Dontayvion Wicks, Virginia
176. CB Starling Thomas V, UAB
Adding athletes on Day 3 is a very ballard move. Henry would contend for a rotating pass-rushing role given his athleticism, length and burst. Wicks may not have an impressive top speed, but he showed plenty of explosiveness at the NFL combine. Thomas has track speed and the potential to develop into a potential starter while serving on special teams in the meantime.
round 7
221. LB Sirvocea Dennis, Pittsburgh
238. S. Gervarrius Owens, Houston
It wouldn’t be a Colts draft without expanding linebacker space. Dennis would be a fringe player while battling for a special team role with the other linebackers in the room. Owens is an explosive athlete who would be fighting for last spot in the safe room behind Julian Blackmon, Rodney Thomas and Nick Cross.
Source : sports.yahoo.com