The Indianapolis Colts had a great offseason. Philip Rivers retired, which created an immediate hole at an important position. Chris Ballard and Frank Reich made a move and got Carson Wentz. They followed that with re-signing TY Hilton. A big problem for the Colts was offensive line depth, which they also addressed in NFL Free Agency.
The offseason addressed many needs. However, they still need to address roster holes via the 2021 NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at a Indianapolis Colts mock draft through the first four rounds.
Colts NFL Mock Draft Through Four Rounds
Round 1, Pick 21: Caleb Farley, CB
Ideally, the Colts move back in the first round. Ballard has been excellent in Round 2 and later. Being aggressive in the offseason and getting Carson Wentz put the Colts back on draft day by losing picks. They need to recoup those picks. I’m expecting an early run on quarterbacks, which could let a quarterback-hungry team move back in the first round to get an extra year (with the 5th year option).
Ultimately, the Colts have options at 21. I’m expecting some big names still available like Caleb Farley, Jaycee Horn, Liam Eichenberg and Teven Jenkins. Ultimately, I’m thinking Farley is the guy Ballard chooses. Rhodes being on a one-year deal means they need a long-term plan. While Eichenberg is the biggest need, I think picking him at 21 may be a stretch, and it’s unlike Ballard to reach for any player, regardless of the team needs.
Round 2, Pick 54: Quinn Meinerz, IOL
I think Eichenberg has a chance to be available in the second round. Elijah Moore, Terrace Marshall, Joseph Ossai and Ronnie Perkins should all be there, but a versatile offensive linemen is more of a team need. One thing Ballard has shown to favor is adaptability and versatility. A player that says that is the interior offensive lineman from Wisconsin-Whitewater, Quinn Meinerz.
Round 3: NONE
After the Wentz trade, the Colts do not have a selection in the third round.
Round 4, Pick 127: Talanoa Hufanga, S
Versatility is Talanoa Hufanga’s greatest strength. He did it all for the Trojans. His biggest downfall? Injuries. Walker needs to be replaced, and I think Hufanga is the guy. He has the coverage ability to play safety, but the size to play in the box.
Hufanga ran a 4.61-second 40 at his pro day (unofficial), but that’s very comparable to Leonard, Walker and Okereke. He played a lot slower on film, but still managed to be around the ball when he was on the field. Being around the ball goes well with fitting with the Colts defense. .
All in all, Ballard should be very excited for this draft. This year, a pandemic made things tough. Luckily for the Colts and Ballard, this staff is elite and should be able to overcome the obstacles.
