Indianapolis Colts: 7-Round 2019 mock draft after NFL Combine

The Indianapolis Colts exceeded expectations last season and look primed to join the league’s elite teams. A solid draft could go a long way in accomplishing that goal. What should they do?

The Indianapolis Colts have built a stout roster in a very short amount of time due to one thing: they have killed it in the NFL Draft. Recent selections such as Malik Hooker, 2018 Defensive Rookie of he Year Darius Leonard, 2018 first-round pick Quenton Nelson and others have made instant impacts on both sides of the ball.

For the team to take the next step and become a Super Bowl contender, another strong offseason, especially in the draft, is key. How could the Colts approach this draft?

Lets take a look at what could happen with a new seven-round mock draft.

Round 1: Jeffery Simmons, DL, Mississippi State

This will all come down to what the Colts want from their first round pick. Do they want an instant contributor? If so, Simmons, who recently tore his ACL while working out for the combine, doesn’t fit the bill. If they are willing to essentially redshirt him, though, Simmons could provide immense value.

In a recent interview with Cleveland.com, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah called Simmons a “home run” if he slides in the first round.

"“Jeffery Simmons to me if healthy, he’s a top five player in the draft no doubt,” Jeremiah said. “To me, he’s one of the three best players in the whole draft."

The injury, along with some personal baggage from his high school days, could lend to Simmons sliding further than some expect while pushing others such as Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell and Notre Dame’s Jerry Tillery up the draft boards.

If the Colts sign a premier edge rusher in free agency — Detroit’s Ezekiel Ansah could work — then they may have the flexibility to draft a guy like Simmons. A year from now, we could be looking back at this is laud general manager Chris Ballard for yet another impact selection.