INDIANAPOLIS – A successful 2020 Combine has wrapped up and that means shifting in the draft outlook for teams.
We are less than two months away from the 2020 NFL Draft, with many eyes now focused on free agency coming in two weeks.
The Mock Draft outlook has become more offensive heavy for the Colts as of late.
Here is our third Mock Draft look for 2020:
ESPN’s Todd McShay: QB-Justin Herbert (Oregon)
McShay’s Analysis: In the first season since Andrew Luck shockingly retired, the Colts’ passing game averaged 194.3 yards per game, third-worst in the league, under Jacoby Brissett. Luck had them at No. 6 in the NFL the previous season, and the aerial attack flameout left the Colts at 7-9 in a division that featured two playoff teams. A change under center is likely needed. Brissett has another year on his deal, and that’ll be important. Herbert needs a little more time. The 6-6 gunslinger tested well at the combine and lit up the Senior Bowl in January, but consistency concerns haven’t gone away. He has the physical traits you want in a quarterback, including a big arm and mobility, but questions about whether he can lead an NFL offense explain why Herbert is available to the Colts at No. 13.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler: WR-Jerry Jeudy (Alabama)
Brugler’s Analysis: A quarterback should not be ruled out here, regardless of whether the Colts sign a veteran like Philip Rivers prior to the draft. But whoever is under center needs more weapons and Jeudy and his electric play speed would fill a substantial need.
Pro Football Focus’ Michael Renner: WR-Ceedee Lamb (Oklahoma)
Renner’s Analysis: The Colts got to see firsthand what Ceedee would look like in Lucas Oil over the weekend, and the Oklahoma wideout didn’t disappoint. After some questioned how he’d test athletically, Lamb put up a 4.5 40 and was more than solid across the board. Lamb’s ability to win at the intermediate range would be massive if the rumors of Philip Rivers to Indy come true.
*Trade up with Cardinals to No. 8—USA Today’s Luke Easterling QB-Jordan Love (Utah State)
Easterling’s Analysis: Jacoby Brissett did an admirable job of keeping the Indy offense afloat after Andrew Luck’s retirement, but I’m betting the Colts would like a better long-term solution at quarterback. If that’s their move, don’t count out a bold move to make sure they get their man. In this scenario, Love would likely be the target, despite the rough edges in his game. He’s got the potential to be a stellar pro if the Colts can give him time to develop.
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah: QB-Jordan Love (Utah State)
Jeremiah’s Analysis: I believe the Colts will bring in a veteran QB (likely Philip Rivers), and that will allow Love plenty of time to develop.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller: QB-Jordan Love (Utah State)
Miller’s Analysis: General manager Chris Ballard has been a master at accumulating draft picks and has done well selecting impact players in his short tenure running the Colts, but after Andrew Luck’s retirement and the up-and-down play of Jacoby Brissett last year, Ballard has to make a move at quarterback. With three selections in the first two rounds, the Colts can invest No. 13 overall on the future of the quarterback position and still fill key needs with extra picks. Jordan Love is a smart, athletic, strong-armed quarterback who struggled with turnovers on a bad Utah State team in 2019. With a new head coach and most of his weapons gone, Love forced his way to 17 interceptions. But teams are falling for his arm strength and ability to make off-schedule throws and win while on the move. As the NFL continues to evolve at quarterback, Love’s positives fit the mold teams want. Potentially throwing a wrench into the Love plan would be a signing of Philip Rivers in free agency. While with the Chargers, Rivers was adamant about the team not drafting his replacement until he was gone, so it would be interesting to see if that same ultimatum exists in Indianapolis.
Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Hanson: DT-Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)
Hanson’s Analysis: As Chris Ballard said last month the “3-technique drives this” defense and “we’ve got to be able to get some more interior pressure.” Kinlaw has generated 10 sacks over the past two seasons by using his blend of length, strength and quickness.
MOCK DRAFT TOTALS
In each installment of the mock draft looks we will total up all the positions pundits have pegged for the Colts throughout the draft process:
–1st Mock Draft Look (January 20th)
–2nd Mock Draft Look (February 10th)
Totals:
QB-Jordan Love (5)
DE-A.J. Epenesa (3)
WR-Jerry Jeudy (3)
QB-Justin Herbert (2)
DL-Javon Kinlaw (2)
WR-Ceedee Lamb (1)
QB-Jacob Eason (1)
WR-Henry Ruggs III (1)
DE-Yetur Gross-Matos (1)
Bowen’s Analysis: With the Combine come and gone, the defensive line predictions are starting to dwindle for the Colts, which is something that doesn’t fall in line with Chris Ballard’s main roster building belief. The offensive names are starting to build from the pundits, with many thinking that a quarterback is a real possibility in Round One. The debate on a wide receiver at No. 13 is very interesting. Is it a need for the Colts? Without a doubt. But Chris Ballard’s history with drafts includes hardly any high picks invested into the wideout position. The pundits certainly have the Colts’ three most pressing needs narrowed down (with Anthony Castonzo’s retirement lessoning the need at left tackle). Free agency, and the quarterback dominoes coming, will definitely alter some of the draft thinking for teams.
