Walter Football and our buddy Wes Bunting at National Football Post have updated their mock drafts. Once again, yet another series of sites says the Colts will be taking linemen. In the case of Walter Football, it's linemen, linemen, and even more linemen.
At pick no. 22:
Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
We all saw what happened to Peyton Manning amid pass protection issues against the Chargers on a Sunday night and the Cowboys the following week. Upgrades are needed everywhere.
Left tackle Charlie Johnson will be a free agent in March. He's definitely not the elite blind-side protector Manning needs.
Gabe Carimi had a great Senior Bowl practice week and has drawn comparisons to Jon Runyan.
At pick no. 53:
Indianapolis Colts: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Daniel Muir could be the worst starting defensive lineman in the NFL. Bill Polian has to fix this.
Stephen Paea falls because of his knee injury. If he's OK, the Colts are getting a steal in the middle of Round 2.
At pick no. 118:
Indianapolis Colts: Will Rackley, OT/G, Lehigh
Another offensive line upgrade for the Colts, whose No. 1 priority this offseason is to improve Peyton Manning's pass protection.
If the Colts walked away from the 2011 NFL Draft with those three players, I will feel VERY good about the 2011 season (from a roster standpoint).
After the jump, see what Wes says.
Before we get to Wes' pick, he sent me this little nugget a few days ago, via Twitter:
I think #SouthernCal OT Tryon Smith could end up being the best OT in the class..needs some time but tons of upside #NFLDRAFT
In Wes' latest mock, he has the Redskins taking Smith at no. 10. For the Colts at pick no. 22:
22. Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Keeping QB Peyton Manning safe and upright is going to be one of the biggest objectives for the Colts this offseason. Therefore, adding a big, athletic and intelligent blind side protector is a nice start.
Thus, yet another mock draft has Sherrod coming to Indy. I have yet to see a single mock made by anyone that doesn't have the Colts scooping up a lineman on the first day.
Hopefully, Bill Polian gets the hint.