From Walter Football's April Fools mock draft (via Rocky Top Manning):
22.
Indianapolis Colts: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
When Roger Goodell read Indianapolis' pick off the card, a loud "NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" was heard from the Colts war room. That belonged to general manager Bill Polian.
"I should have drafted Anthony Castonzo!" Polian cried. "I'm so stupid! I wanted Castonzo!"
Didn't the same thing happen last year?
"I keep wanting to draft a left tackle to protect Peyton [Manning], but these damn pass-rushers are so athletic and quick and sexy, ugh," Polian said. "Well, on the bright side, there might not be any football in 2011, so I'll have a chance to take a left tackle in the 2012 NFL Draft."
Walter Football provides some much need levity at a time when there isn't much to smile about. And while this entry is clearly meant for humor, like all good comedy there is a nugget of truth to it.
For Walter Football's real mock draft, they have the Colts taking... well, find out after the jump.
From Walter Football:
22.
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.
Nate Solder is the top consensus left tackle available, at least according to some scouts and draft analysts. I didn't see what the fuss was about, but Solder apparently had great Senior Bowl and Combine performance. The Sun Tan Man wrote that Solder "stole the show" at Indianapolis, while Mike Mayock said that Solder is drawing comparisons to Tony Boselli.
Other 2011 NFL Draft Possibilities:
1. Derek Sherrod and Gabe Carimi, OT - The Colts will explore all tackle options.
2. Mike Pouncey, G - Bill Polian spends his first-round picks on offensive players and pass-rushers.
Not sure I agree with taking Solder with Carimi still on the board, but if Indy were to come out of the first round with either of those gents, I'm smiling.