With issues on both sides of the ball, the Indianapolis Colts will be hoping the 2016 draft class can fill some of their needs. The Colts want to gear up for a Super Bowl run in 2016, so they cannot afford to swing and miss on this draft class. This class has to be an integral part of the team’s success in the future.
1. OT Taylor Decker
Getty ImagesThe Colts need offensive line help in the worst way possible. General manager Ryan Grigson has never used a first-round pick on an offensive lineman in his tenure with the Colts. That should change this year because with the 18th pick of the first round, some solid offensive linemen will be available. Decker is one of the best offensive linemen in this draft class. He is a powerful run blocker with solid pass blocking skills. He is also versatile enough to play in multiple spots along the Colts’ offensive line.
2. CB William Jackson III
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This is a pick for which Grigson might be tempted to get something the Colts do not need. Hopefully, Grigson has learned his lesson and goes with a player who helps solve the Colts’ defense. William Jackson III would be a nice pick midway through the second round. He is 6-foot-1 and has the speed to be a starting cornerback in the future. The Colts’ cornerbacks were a constant issue in 2015. Adding a young cornerback with tremendous ball skills will help them immediately.
3. RB DeVontae Booker
Getty ImagesThe Colts need to start thinking about the future with running back Frank Gore getting older. DeVontae Booker would be a nice complement to Gore. He has a similar running style to Gore in that he makes one cut then hits the open hole hard. Also, he is an excellent pass catcher of the backfield and does not fumble the football often.
4. OLB Eric Striker
Getty ImagesIn the fourth round, teams start looking for specialist, and the Colts need a pass rushing specialist. Eric Striker possesses the aggressiveness and speed the Colts will be looking for in an outside linebacker. Striker made a ton of plays in his career as an Oklahoma Sooner, including 45 tackles for loss and 22.5 sacks. If Striker’s still available at this point, the Colts have to take him.
5. CB Cyrus Jones
Getty ImagesJones is currently projected as a fifth round talent, but he would fill two needs for the Colts. Jones would add cornerback depth and serve as the team’s primary punt returner. Although he moved from receiver to cornerback as a sophomore at Alabama, Jones was still a key contributor for the Crimson Tide. It would not hurt the Colts to take Jones in the fifth round because they can continue to develop Jones' coverage skills while he bolsters the team’s punt returning game.
6. OG Joe Dahl
Getty ImagesThe Colts do not have a sixth-round pick because they traded for Sio Moore last offseason, but here’s who they would pick if they did have one. Dahl was a three-year starter at Washington State University. Although WSU is a pass-happy offense, it is hard to ignore that much experience from the Pac-12. Dahl played left tackle at WSU, but he will probably used as an interior lineman. In the sixth round, Dahl would be a solid selection.
7. WR Nelson Spruce
Getty ImagesSpruce is projected to be a seventh-round pick because he lacks significant athleticism and physical characteristics. However, Spruce finished his career at the University of Colorado with 294 receptions, which is the most in Pac-12 history. With his statistics, it is worth giving Spruce a shot. He has the potential to develop into a serviceable slot receiver because of his knack for getting open despite his lack of overall speed.
