Who should the Indianapolis Colts select in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft?
In the last few years, the Indianapolis Colts have got it wrong in the first round of the NFL Draft. Excluding the signing of Andrew Luck, Ryan Grigson has made a number of bizarre selections that have cost the Colts in recent times – none more so than last season when they slipped to second in the AFC South behind the Houston Texans.
In 2015, Grigson opted for Phillip Dorsett – a wide receiver out of the University of Miami. And while the Colts have always had a potent offense, this was the wrong option. Indy failed to make changes on defence and the offensive line and were made to rue their mistakes as defensive deficiencies and an injury to Andrew Luck ended their Super Bowl hopes
This year, Indianapolis fans will wait with bated breath for Grigson’s choice in the opening round of the draft. Most supporters have two clear positions in their head: offensive line or defensive end. We take a look at just a few of the potential candidates for the Colts this year. And with Grigson’s job in jeopardy, he HAS to get his choice spot on.
Noah Spence, DE
In terms of rushing the passer, Indy have one of the weakest groups in the NFL. At 34 years old, Robert Mathis isn’t getting any younger and the Colts need new blood now – otherwise, they will slip further down the NFL’s defensive rankings. Indianapolis are potential Super Bowl contenders and you can find the betting odds here at Betway. However, their postseason dream will be over unless they sign a competent pass rusher like Spence.
Indy allowed opposing sides to move the chains far too often last season and Grigson will be looking to draft somebody like Spence to put pressure on quarterbacks. And in a division with the likes of Marcus Mariota and Brock Osweiler, it’s essential for speed off the edge and that is exactly what Noah Spence gives you.
Taylor Decker, OT
Grigson loves versatility and Decker’s ability to play either tackle or guard may just swing his thinking. The former Ohio State star showed plenty of talent during his college days and would certainly slot immediately into a starting role with one sole objective: PROTECT ANDREW LUCK.
If the Colts can keep their quarterback healthy next season, they have a shot at the Super Bowl. If not, they won’t even win the AFC South – that’s how important he is and Decker’s impact could be crucial to their chances.
Shaq Lawson, DE
Shaw Lawson is one of the strongest and most powerful defensive ends in the 2016 draft class and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Indianapolis move for the Clemson product… if he falls to 18th. Chances are he MIGHT be taken before the Colts choose but if he’s available, it’s hard to imagine Grigson passing on such an obvious talent.
Traditionally, Clemson are one of the best college teams at producing immense, defensive talent and Lawson will continue to improve thanks to their incredible rehab and style scheme. Lawson is a coach’s dream and it would be interesting to see how he would slot into the Indianapolis scheme with Mathis on the other side.
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