The 2016 NFL Draft serves as the second of leg of the offseason road to Super Bowl 51 in Houston. We preview the Indianapolis Colts’ many draft needs.
Offensive Lineman: Ryan Kelly, C (Alabama)
If the Indianapolis Colts choose to bolster their offensive line with the #18 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and center Ryan Kelly out of Alabama is available, general manager Ryan Grigson should not even think twice about taking the prospect.
Since Jeff Saturday’s departure in 2012, the Colts have struggled to find a decent starting center, juggling around names like Khaled Holmes, Jonotthan Harrison and even giving guard Hugh Thornton some snaps. A solid center to anchor the offensive line is the first step in the Colts’ pursuit of protecting quarterback Andrew Luck.
Linebacker: Noah Spence, OLB (Eastern Kentucky)
Should Indianapolis choose to fill their need at the linebacker position, many mock drafts have the Colts taking former Ohio State and Eastern Kentucky linebacker Noah Spence.
Following the loss of Jerrell Freeman to the Chicago Bears and releasing Jonathan Newsome, the Colts find themselves pretty thin at the linebacker position. Drafting a young and talented LB could also serve a smooth transition for the Colts whenever team sack leader Robert Mathis decides to hang it up.
Pass Rush: Shaq Lawson, DE (Clemson)
The Colts have been looking for that next great pass rusher on the line since losing Dwight Freeney in 2012 and moving Robert Mathis to outside linebacker.
Defensive end Shaq Lawson, of the national championship runner-up Clemson Tigers, would be a solid young defensive talent that, like Spence, would be allowed the opportunity to learn underneath the tutelage of Mathis and provide for a smooth transition, at the very least.
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