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Indianapolis Colts: 3 Targets in 2018 NFL Draft to aid Frank Reich

By Michael Johnson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 13: Owner Jim Irsay, head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis Colts pose for a photo during the press conference introducing head coach Frank Reich at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 13, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 13: Owner Jim Irsay, head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis Colts pose for a photo during the press conference introducing head coach Frank Reich at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 13, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 33-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 33-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

The Colts finished 30th in total defense and teams were able to convert45 percent of their third down chances against a team that was only able to muster 25 sacks. Jabaal Sheard led the team with 5.5 sacks, and is one of the few players that could seamlessly transition to the 4-3 defense the Colts will run under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, along with defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins.

According to the Indianapolis Star, the transition to the 4-3 defense is something that all parties involved are excited about.

"“Frank Reich was fine when he was told that his defensive coordinator – Matt Eberflus, formerly the linebackers coach in Dallas – already had been hired, and the 4-3 scheme chosen, saying; “This is like a home run.” Ballard said the 4-3 scheme “fits our building and will be based on athletic ability and speed.”"

With the Colts switching to a 4-3, they need a DE who can come in and bring a spark to the defense in a way that Joey Bosa did with the Chargers. Enter Bradley Chubb, the 6-4, 270-pound defensive end who Is build like truck and plays with power and tenacity off the edge. Pass rushers are always a hot commodity in a league where quarterbacks throw the ball more often than teams run.

Chubb’s ability to use power and a deadly rip move to go along with his great athleticism and ability to sink his hips makes him worthy of the No. 3 pick. The added bonus to Chubb is that he does a really good job playing the run, and any of his deficiencies can be corrected with coaching.

The entire AFC South is built on strong defenses so the Colts should look to do the same, Pairing Chubb with Sheard will give the Colts two bookends on the line and one major step closer to a team worthy of contending for the division. Still, drafting a stud defender won’t be enough, the Colts need to add some talent on offense to help Luck or even Brissett.

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