With The First Pick
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Colts: 2021 NFL Draft primer as Carson Wentz era begins

By Darral Nail

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Indianapolis Colts during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Indianapolis Colts during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Azeez Ojulari could represent hybrid pass rushing role for Colts, Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Top prospects to target

Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia

Among the diverse group of prospects that make up the 2021 draft’s EDGE class, Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari is likely the top all-around pass rusher. Polished and productive, he could also be seen as the player most likely to begin his career in the NFL as a starter.

What he is not, at 6-foot-2 and 249 pounds, is a prototypical defensive end in a 4-3 defense. However, he spent a lot of time playing with a hand on the ground at UGA, and was very productive versus some of the college game’s top offensive tackles.  A savvy play caller like Eberflus should have no problem getting a talent like Ojulari onto the playing field early and often.

Sam Cosmi, Offensive Tackle, Texas

A supremely athletic tackle prospect, Texas Longhorn Samuel Cosmi’s unique skillset would figure to be a terrific fit in Indianapolis. Head Coach and offensive architect Frank Reich prefers a diverse approach to the team’s blocking up front, utilizing both outside and split zone concepts while often layering in down/reach gap principles, all of which work to the favor of an agile lineman-like Cosmi.

While potential employers might prefer him heavier than his listed 314 pounds, he leverages his 6-foot-6 frame well on the outside and plays with the mean streak that league teams covet.  While questions surrounding his play strength will persist, the sheer talent that he offers at a premium position might be too much for the Colts to overlook.

Greg Newsome II, Cornerback, Northwestern

Cornerback Greg Newsome represents an intriguing fit for the Colts’ secondary. A long and athletic cornerback prospect, with exceptional quickness and a knack for breaking up passes, Newsome excelled in a Northwestern Cover 3 scheme that would translate well to the Colts zone-heavy approach.

Next. Colts build Carson Wentz support system in 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft. dark

Physical and fast, Newsome shows good recoverability and is a natural at contesting through the catch point.  After an impressive pro day performance, there is a chance that Newsome could be off the board by the time the Colts are scheduled to pick in the draft’s opening round.  If he is available at pick 21, there is plenty to suggest that he could make an immediate impact on the back end of the Indianapolis defense.

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