NFL Mock Draft 2016: Another mock draft has Colts taking outside linebacker Leonard Floyd

Almost all of the mock drafts so far have seen the Indianapolis Colts taking an offensive lineman.  It makes logical sense to give quarterback Andrew Luck better protection, and that should be a priority.  It doesn't have to be the number one priority, however, since the team has other areas that really need addressing.

One such area is at outside linebacker, a position that I called the worst on the team in 2015.  Recently, a couple of mock drafts have gone away from the offensive line picks to have the Colts addressing the outside linebacker position.  On Friday, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller projected the Colts taking Georgia outside linebacker Leonard Floyd in the first round, and today SB Nation's Dan Kadar projects the same thing to happen.

All of the picks for the Colts in mock drafts tend to be an offensive tackle or running back. In an effort to look in a different direction this mock is taking a pass rusher. Floyd needs to pack on some power, but he has unique athleticism and quickness for the position.

Again, if you ask me, the Colts desperately need a playmaking pass rusher at their outside linebacker position and I think that is at the top of their list of needs, so grabbing someone who can do that would be a wise move.  That's not to suggest the Colts don't need offensive line help or couldn't address it in the first round (they shouldn't grab a running back there, however), but an outside linebacker would be a good pick too.

Floyd (6-4, 231 pounds) spent three seasons at Georgia before declaring for the NFL Draft this year after his junior season.  He played in 38 games (starting 32) during his collegiate career, recording 184 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four passes defensed, and 54 quarterback pressures.  He led the team in sacks in each of his three seasons at Georgia, and in 2015 he was a finalist for the Butkus Award.  He was Georgia's Defensive MVP in 2014 and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team in 2013.  He could use to get stronger, as Kadar said, but he has athleticism and can both rush the passer and provide help in coverage.