Indianapolis Colts: 5 Targets in 2018 NFL Draft after trading down

1. Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

In as frank of terms of possible, the linebackers for the Colts this past season were abysmal. Jon Bostic was arguably their best player and, while he showed some flashes, he’s going to be playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2018 season. That leaves Indianapolis with the likes of Antonio Morrison and Jeremiah George at linebacker. None of that is remotely comforting for the Colts moving forward at the position.

That’s why a player like Tremaine Edmunds would make a great deal of sense with the No. 6 overall pick. The Virginia Tech Hokies product is simply a physical phenomenon when you look at his build and the way he can move. He put all of that on display at the Combine, without question. Measuring in at 6-5, 253 pounds, Edmunds still ran a 4.54-second 40 while posting 19 reps on the bench press. His athleticism shows up on the film too as he’s all around the field and getting after plays.

What makes Edmunds even more enticing is his age. Despite his already impressive physical prowess and quality tape, the Hokie is just 19 years old and will still be so on draft night. Yes, he’ll be 20 years old by the time the 2018 season kicks off, but that’s a player whose physical prime is still ahead of them. So when you factor in how impressive he already is, that’s a scary notion that has to have teams salivating.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency 3 rounds

The Colts should indeed be one of those teams having to mop up the drool. Taking Edmunds at No. 3 may have been a bit too much of a reach. However, when you consider the talent and upside of the linebacker and the team’s need at the position, taking him at six may well be their best option.