Indianapolis Colts: 7-Round 2020 mock draft after rough loss to Saints
While you can talk down about ESPN’s Booger McFarland and many things he says, one thing he was spot-on with in Week 15 was talking about the Indianapolis Colts’ need for a 3-technique on the defensive line. Put simply, Denico Autry and Tyquan Lewis, among others, aren’t getting the job done. Javon Kinlaw from South Carolina, however, would be up to the task.
Incredibly explosive in the middle of the defensive line, Kinlaw is a force coming up from the 3-tech. He has the ability to generate pressure seemingly at will when rushing the passer and is also a solid run defender as well. For a defense that needs a dominant presence in the middle of the defensive line, Kinlaw checks every box for a prospect who could be that guy.
The absence or limitations of T.Y. Hilton over the last few weeks have made one thing abundantly clear for the Colts offense: Wide receiver is a dire need for this team. No matter what they do at quarterback moving forward, they have to put their passers in a situation to succeed by getting some depth and versatility in terms of weapons.
Tee Higgins at the start of the second round is a great way to accomplish that. Higgins is a big body that can be a nice 50-50 ball threat but he also has nice speed and athleticism to be a downfield threat as well. He offers a slightly different skill-set to Hilton and, more importantly, is a demanding presence that will take attention of defenses away from Hilton and further open up the offense.
The fact that Jordan Love is leaving Utah State after a 2019 season where he had only 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions is questionable. Having said that, the now-former Aggie has all the physical tools in the world that an NFL team would want to see from a quarterback with athleticism, size, arm strength and the ability to make any throw on the field.
Love is a project that should not be a Day 1 starter, something the Colts would surely go in knowing. Whether they roll with Brissett another year or look for a stopgap veteran in free agency, Love should sit and develop in regards to his decision-making, his throwing motion and general feel for the pro game making the jump from Utah State. But in terms of his potential, he could be the future for the Indianapolis offense.