2015 NFL Draft: Who should Indianapolis Colts pick in first round?
By Brian Spaen
The Indianapolis Colts don’t have glaring holes on the roster, but quite a few positions could be patched up in the 2015 NFL Draft to help give this team a realistic chance at the Super Bowl. With that in mind, where should their coveted first pick go?
Lots of local radio personalities believe that the Colts need to improve the offensive line while a couple talked about the defense. One specifically mentioned that the rush defense needed to improve after New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount destroyed them in the AFC Championship. The other talked about the need for a great pass rusher.
Indianapolis could also be looking at adding weapons for Andrew Luck. There’s always a case to pick skill players in the first round, and there will certainly be some at wide receiver and running back. A couple of recent mock drafts have Missouri WR Dorial Green-Beckham (from NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks) or Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon (from CBS’ Rob Rang) heading to the Colts.
For how bad Trent Richardson has been panned, he led the team in rushing yards (519) in 2014. That’s still underwhelming based on expectations and now that a suspension will negate his guaranteed money, his time with the Colts has likely come to an end.
Without Richardson, there’s still potential. Ahmad Bradshaw had 425 yards, about 100 yards off the pace of Richardson in 69 less rushing attempts. When Dan “Boom” Herron got more reps, he was balanced outside of a bad showing at Dallas in Week 16 with three yards on seven carries.
There’s also a ton of weapons at receiver already. Sure, adding someone like Green-Beckham could have the potential to emerge as the go-to receiver like another Beckham we all enjoyed watching in the second half of the season. However, the Colts already have some young talent at receiver with T.Y. Hilton exploding for over 1,000 receiving yards and who knows what Donte Moncrief could bring to the table.
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington (25) breaks up a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) in the second half in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Will all those weapons surrounding Luck, more focus should be put on either protecting him or improving the defense. After watching the Patriots destroy the Colts on the ground, it’s hard to turn away from trying to improve that rush defense.
Statistically, the Colts gave up 4.3 yards per rush, which is 24th nationally. They also gave up 115.2 yards per game, which is 19th nationally. While not the worst numbers, they do better at stopping the pass. Opponents average 222.8 passing yards per game and 6.4 yards per pass, which are both ranked ninth nationally.
A defensive end could be a perfect pick up. Cory Redding is close to retirement and the team needs to boost their front seven. Adding a high profile player like Oregon’s Arik Armstead or Texas’ Malcom Brown may be the best way to go. As the Colts complete the transition to a 3-4 defense, an end would improve both the pass rush and rush defense; these players are athletic enough to bring down talented running backs and experienced quarterbacks.
Who do you believe should be the primary target for the Colts to use their first round pick on? Let us know in the comments below.