NFL Mock Draft 2015: Todd McShay Projects Colts Taking Outside Linebacker Eli Harold

Our look at different mock drafts continues with the latest mock from ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay, and the theme of defense has been prevalent for the Colts recently in mock drafts.

McShay (smartly) keeps with that theme, and he has the Colts addressing their pass rush by adding Virginia outside linebacker Eli Harold.

Analysis: I'd like to give them an offensive lineman here, but there aren't any left worth taking in this scenario. Harold would provide the Colts with a young pass-rusher to develop behind veterans Trent Cole and Robert Mathis, as Bjoern Werner has yet to provide evidence that he'll develop into an impact player. Harold is raw and needs to improve his recognition skills and tackling ability, but he flashes very good upside as a pass-rusher and is also a good run defender.

It's not a bad idea for the Colts to add pass rush help, as that was a huge weakness a year ago and the status of Robert Mathis is still uncertain - owner and CEO Jim Irsay said last week that the star's return might not be until November.  The Colts signed veteran pass rusher Trent Cole in free agency and he should absolutely help, and a year ago Jonathan Newsome showed great promise as a pass rusher as well.  But, as both general manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano have noted, you can never have enough pass rushers.  They have two veterans (Mathis and Cole) and a young guy (Newsome), but outside of that they don't have much in the area of pass rush.  Adding another young guy to develop both for this year and the future would be a good move.

Harold was a two-year starter at Virginia, racking up 141 tackles (36.5 for loss), 17.5 sacks, and four fumble recoveries in his career.  He still needs some work, but he has a lot of talent and potential for the Colts' staff to work with and should help not just as a pass rusher but also as an all-around player at outside linebacker.