We have officially hit the two-week warning for the 2021 NFL Draft.
That means the Indianapolis Colts are soon to be on the clock with the 21st overall pick. This year’s festivities will commence with the first round on Thursday, April 29.
But the same question has been asked since the Blue and White got knocked out of the first round in the NFL postseason.
Will they look for a left tackle with their initial selection? The answer to that question has felt like a pretty consistent yes; But maybe it’s not such a sure thing anymore.
The great NFL Draft Analyst from The Athletic Dane Brugler joined The Dan Dakich Show on Thursday to look at what Chris Ballard and the Colts may do.
Another position of need that comes to mind immediately is help on the Indianapolis pass rush. Brugler and other Draft scouts seem to be eyeing one particular potential prospect.
“Miami’s Jaelan Phillips rushes with a plan and an understanding of how to use his hands,” Brugler said. “It’s not a one trick pony where he relies on speed or power. He wins in different ways. So you see a two hand swipe and always a plan of action. He is equally effective against the pass or run. But there is a concussion issue.”
Phillips was almost forced to retire due to concussion problems. But he did play a full season at “The U” this past year.
Whether Ballard chooses to go with a Tackle or a Pass Rusher, each situation has its positives and negatives.
If you bolster the Offensive Line, that gives Carson Wentz even more of a safety net coming to Lucas Oil Stadium.
If you go Edge Rush, nobody in the entire league is going to want to deal with that Colts front-seven.
“This Offensive Tackle class is really interesting because you have the top two guys of Penei Sewell from Oregon and Rashawn Slater out of Northwestern and I expect both to be gone in the top-12 picks,” Brugler added. “Then after them you get different answers from different teams on who is next. Usually, if you don’t get your tackle early then you’re in trouble. This year might be the exception.”
The look of this year’s Colts team will be severely impacted by the decision the Indianapolis war room makes.
And it’s just a matter of time before we find out.
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