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INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts ended Day Two of the draft by selecting Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke.
This pick came at No. 89 overall in Round Three.
Here are 3 thoughts on the Colts drafting Okereke:
1. True Stanford Person
An Eagle Scout who was also an intern for Condoleezza Rice? His major includes the words: management, science, engineering, finance and decision analysis.
That’s a pretty good resume for a third-round pick in the NFL Draft.
Okereke was a three-year starter at Stanford. He led the Cardinal with 96 tackles last season, with 7.5 of those going for loss and 3.5 sacks. He also broke up 5 passes.
The linebacker said he does know Andrew Luck, having met the former Stanford quarterback during off-season training sessions in Palo Alto.
2. Fits Colts Linebacker Makeup
From a length and speed standpoint, Okereke (6-1 and 234 pound) has similar traits to one Darius Leonard in those areas (again, in those areas).
Okereke runs 4.5 at the 40-yard dash and his wingspan is something that stood out during the draft process.
You can see why the Colts were attracted to the Stanford linebacker, given what Chris Ballard wants for his defense.
Could Okereke be a guy that plays some on passing downs?
The studious linebacker said he expects to play some MIKE for the Colts, and said he will bring a presence to all special teams units.
3. Who Will Emerge At Linebacker?
Coming into the Draft, the Colts had just 6 linebackers on their roster, all age 24 or younger.
Obviously, Darius Leonard isn’t coming off the field. And Anthony Walker is your MIKE.
But the rest of the linebacker breakdown is a bit up in the air.
It will be interesting to see where Okereke fits exactly. Does he have the makeup of a SAM linebacker, where Matthew Adams finished last season, or is he more of a reserve WILL/MIKE?
This position group could have used another body at some point this offseason and they get a pretty valuable pick in Round Three.
Colts Draft Recap
–WR-Parris Campbell (Ohio State)
