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The first round is in the books, and now we turn the page to Day Two of the 2013 NFL Draft.
For the Indianapolis Colts, selecting Bjoern Werner addressed a HUGE need for their team going into the 2013 season: Pass rusher. With Dwight Freeney gone, it was insanity to think that a group of Robert Mathis, Erik Walden, and Jerry Hughes was going to get the job done. Of that collective, Mathis is the only one who can consistently get to the quarterback, but he's 32 and last year had to play through injury. Now with Werner in the fold, the Colts have a stronger pass rushing punch.
With pass rusher addressed, the Colts can now focus on other roster needs:
- Wide receiver
- Offensive line
- Running back
- Corner
- Safety
The Colts have one selection on day two, which is the No. 86 overall pick in round three. Dan Kadar tells us that the following players could be available:
Wide Receiver
The options are slim. Maybe Baylor wideout Terrance Williams or Oregon's Markus Wheaton could be available, but both would be seen as reaches at pick No. 86. Receivers like LA Tech's Quinton Patton are expected to go in the second round.
Offensive Line
Prospects are much stronger at this position, unless NFL teams go nuts and start plucking linemen off the board early, like they did in the first round. Tennessee's Dallas Thomas could be sitting there at 86, and if he is he'd be a very enticing player. The Colts signed free agent Donald Thomas this offseason, but Dallas Thomas would be an upgrade over guards Mike McGlynn, Joe Reitz, or Jeff Linkenbach.
Running Back
For the first time in NFL history, no running backs went in the first round. This means some pretty good backs could fall to Indy in the third. Oklahoma State's Joseph Randle or Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell might be there, and if they are it makes sense to find another horse in the backfield. Vick Ballard is a fine back for Indy, but he isn't a 25 carry-a-game player.
Corner or Safety
The Colts passed on corner Xavier Rhodes in the first round, opting instead for Werner. By the third round, North Carolina State's David Amerson or Southeast Louisiana's Robert Alford are expected to be there. At safety, maybe Syracuse's Shamarko Thomas could fall.