Teams are putting the finishing touches on their preparation as the 2015 NFL Draft is nearly here.
To preview the draft for the Indianapolis Colts, I got together with Evan Reller of Horseshoe Heroes. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. What are the team’s biggest needs heading into the draft and how might they address them?
"The Colts need help at every position on defense. Their defensive line has been a detriment the past two seasons as they have give up over 400 rushing yards in their last two playoff losses (both to the Patriots, a team not known for running the ball). The Colts can look at this draft, take the best available player on defense with the 29th pick and walk away happy."
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2. What needs to happen for this draft to be considered a success?
"The Colts need to find at least one defensive starter who can make an impact in 2015 or at least look like a starter heading forward. This team is built to win now and in desperate need of an infusion of youth. While its highly unlikely that the team will find starters with all nine of their pick this year, finding two players and a couple rotation guys would be fantastic."
3. What in your mind would make this draft a failure?
"They could end up completely whiffing, like in 2013, or take an offensive linemen in the first round, much to the dismay of the fans. It isn’t that the line isn’t a big need, its that the defensive needs are greater. It also doesn’t help that Ryan Grigson has an atrocious record when it comes to drafting linemen, going just 1-for-5 on linemen picks who turned into decent players."
4. What is a bold prediction for your team this draft?
"The Colts trade up in the first round for either a safety (Landon Collins) or an impact player along the defensive line. While the draft is fairly deep this year at a number of spots, the Colts have been aggressive in the pass and really can’t afford to whiff on their first pick (like they did with Trent Richardson in 2013). Trading up would increase the likelihood of a talented player, but it doesn’t ensure anything."
5. What is a draft angle the general public might not be aware of for your team?
"Most draft “experts” look at the team, see that Andrew Luck takes a lot of hits and conclude that they need help along the offensive line. Its an analysis that doesn’t take into account the massive number of injuries along the line in 2014, the fact that sacks and QB hits are mostly on the quarterback and that this team his much more pressing needs on defense. It wasn’t the offensive line that led to two lopsided playoff losses, it was the defense."
For full Colts coverage, check out Horseshoe Heroes.
Next: 2-Round 2015 NFL Mock Draft