NFL Draft 2015 Prospect Profile: Offensive Lineman D.J. Humphries

The 2015 NFL Draft will be held on April 30 through May 2 in Chicago, and it is a time where the 32 NFL teams will look to add some pieces to improve both this year and in future years.  The Indianapolis Colts currently have nine picks in the Draft, including at least one in each round, and therefore they should be active on Draft day.  Who might they target?  We're taking a look at a number of different prospects, and today we take a look at Florida offensive lineman D.J. Humphries.

Background

As a freshman in 2012, Humphries (6-5, 295 pounds) appeared in 12 games for the Florida Gators, starting the final three at left tackle and earning first-team All-Freshman honors in the SEC.  He started the first six games for Florida in 2013 at left tackle before a knee injury ended his season, and then in 2014 he started ten games, missing two due to injury.  A highly-coveted recruit out of high school, Humphries leaves Florida with just 19 career starts at left tackle after opting to forego his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft against the advice of the NFL advisory board.

Pros

Humphries is a great athlete along the offensive line and that is his greatest strength.  He has good quickness off the snap and can move around very well, and he has great physical skills that aren't all yet fully developed.

Cons

Needs to get stronger to play at the NFL and stop relying so much on his natural talent.  Seemed inconsistent at times.  Suffered injuries in both the 2013 and 2014 seasons, which could lead to some questions about durability.

Big Board Rankings

NFL.com (Mike Mayock) - number 3 offensive tackle

CBSSports.com - 30th overall, number 6 offensive tackle

Mocking the Draft - 36th overall, number 6 offensive tackle

Mock Draft Predictions

Stephen Reed's most recent mock draft:  selected by Minnesota Vikings, 45th overall (2nd round)

Josh Wilson's most recent mock draft:  selected by Carolina Panthers, 25th overall

How Would He Help the Colts?

If the Colts were to draft D.J. Humphries, they would be expecting him to become their right tackle of the future.  I think he's better suited to be a left tackle so there could be some questions there, but with a player like Humphries he should be able to play at either tackle spots.  The Colts are preparing to give Anthony Castonzo an extension and they like him as their left tackle, so that's a spot they're definitely not looking to upgrade.  Where they really need help is on the right side of the line, at both right guard and right tackle.  Both Todd Herremans and Gosder Cherilus aren't likely to be in Indy long-term and perhaps not beyond this year (though it's too early to tell that at this point).  Adding Humphries would provide depth behind Cherilus this year and insurance in case he isn't healthy or struggles.  At the same time, he would be developed as the Colts' right tackle of the future.

I don't think the Colts should draft an offensive lineman in the first round, and even if they decided to, I don't think D.J. Humphries should be their top option.  There figures to be other options along the line, if the Colts are absolutely set at adding help up front, that would be better fits and players for the Colts than the former Florida offensive lineman.  I think that Humphries can develop into a solid NFL starter, but I don't think that the Colts should take him in the first round.