INDIANAPOLIS – Well, the month of March has really changed the outlook of the 2020 Draft for the Colts.
Thursday marks three weeks until the start of the 2020 Draft (April 23-25).
In trading away the No. 13 overall pick, and signing Philip Rivers, things have shifted in Mock Drafts for the Colts. What are the pundits predicting with the Colts still having two valuable selections in Round 2 (No. 34 and No. 44 overall).
Here is our fourth Mock Draft look for 2020:
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler; Pick 34: DT-Jordan Elliott (Missouri), Pick 44: QB-Jake Fromm (Georgia)
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.
USA Today’s Luke Easterling; Pick 34: QB-Jacob Eason (Washington), Pick 44: WR-Tee Higgins (Clemson)
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.
*Trade up with 49ers to No. 31— CBS Sports’ Chris Trappaso: QB-Jacob Eason (Washington)
Trapasso’s Analysis: Instead of double-dipping in the first round, the 49ers are content trading out to get some Day 2 picks, and the Colts pick Eason to be the heir apparent to Philip Rivers.
NFL.com Chad Reuter; Pick 34: S-Grant Delpit (LSU), Pick 44: WR-Jalen Reagor (TCU)
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)
-3rd Mock Draft Look (March 4th)
Pre-Trade 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)
Post-Trade Totals:
QB-Jacob Eason (3)
WR-Jalen Reagor (2)
WR-Tee Higgins (1)
OT-Ezra Cleveland (1)
WR-Laviska Shenault (1)
DT-Jordan Elliott (1)
QB-Jake Fromm (1)
S-Grant Delpit (1)
Bowen’s Analysis: Well, March Madness didn’t happen on the hardwood in 2020, but it definitely did with the Colts in their draft outlook this spring. The trading of the No. 13 overall pick was eye-popping. Couple that with the return of Anthony Castonzo, the acquisition of DeForest Buckner and the one-year signing of Philip Rivers, and the needs list has changed a bit for the Colts. Wide receiver is certainly pressing, and we see that pick occurring quite a lot in our newest mock look. Would a bigger body wideout, a la not Jalen Reagor (5-11), make more sense for the Colts though considering what Rivers is used to working with at the receiver position? Of course, quarterback in the long-term remains a massive question. It’s interesting to see most of the pundits side with Eason as the QB choice for the Colts. From a leadership/cognitive standpoint, Fromm appears to be much more of a Colts’ fit, granted the raw ability factor sides more with Eason. Many fans would be content with a WR/QB combo in Round Two. Although such a path is not a lock given Chris Ballard’s draft philosophy. We did see one trade up into Round One, which will definitely be something to watch come the late hours of Thursday, April 23.
