2013 NFL Draft: Colts Select Florida State OLB Bjoern Werner With The No. 24 Overall Pick

The Indianapolis Colts took advantage of other teams spending eight of the first 20 picks on offensive linemen and selected linebacker/defensive end Bjoern Werner with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

A pass rushing outside linebacker was viewed by pretty much everyone as Indianapolis’ most critical need entering this draft, and Werner certainly fit the role. Mike Mayock compared Werner to former Ravens and current Browns linebacker Paul Kruger, a player Colts head coach Chuck Pagano knows well from their days together in Baltimore.

At 6’3, 266 lb., Werner bring size, speed, and play-making ability. He earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading the conference in with 13 sacks. He also had 42 tackles. Werner played down on the line in a 4-3 at Florida State, but teams worked him out at OLB at the combine.

In many ways, Werner replaces former Colts pass rushing demon Dwight Freeney, offering versatility as both a defensive end and a linebacker in Pagano’s hybrid 3-4 defense.

The Colts next draft selection is scheduled for the third round, pick No. 86 overall.