2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final projection on draft day
15. Indianapolis Colts (via Cardinals): Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
After trading down twice in this 2018 NFL Mock Draft and three times overall after originally possessing the No. 3 pick, the Colts now have seven of the first 75 picks in this draft. And they’re also now on the clock with the 15th selection.
This is a roster that is in a bad spot. Quite literally the only positions where they could not stand to add more talent right now is at quarterback — assuming Andrew Luck is actually healthy and not damaged goods — and free safety after landing Malik Hooker in the 2017 draft. But to start with in their 2018 class, they solidify an offensive line that has been awful of late by nabbing Mike McGlinchey.
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While McGlinchey played left tackle at Notre Dame, he seems made to come in as a Day 1 right tackle in Indianapolis opposite of Anthony Castonzo. McGlinchey might not be an elite athlete, but his film shows a smart player with good technique and movement to pair with tremendous strength. He’ll be a huge asset for keeping Luck healthy when the quarterback does return.
16. Baltimore Ravens: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Part of me was starting to believe that the Baltimore Ravens might wait on wide receiver in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. After landing Michael Crabtree, John Brown and now Willie Snead in free agency, I thought the investment was large enough in free agency that they may wait a bit. Then they tried to sign Dez Bryant and I’m not so sure my original belief was true at all.
Subsequently, they select Calvin Ridley here. Not only is Ridley a former Alabama Crimson Tide star — something Ozzie Newsome is infamously fond of — but he’s the type of guy that the Ravens’ passing game needs for the future. He’s a super route-runner that simply makes plays, even if he doesn’t test as well as some would like. Ridley is simply a No. 1 receiver that can be that sooner than later on an NFL team.