Believe it or not, the NFL Draft is actually next week. We're getting close to finding out who the Colts will take, then, but until next Thursday night arrives we'll be inundated with plenty of mock drafts.
One such mock draft is from SB Nation's Dan Kadar, who releases his latest mock draft each Monday throughout the draft process. In his most recent mock draft, like in weeks past, Kadar has the Colts taking Georgia outside linebacker Leonard Floyd in the first round.
The pass rush in Indianapolis is crumbling thanks to bad signings and failed draft picks. Because of that, general manager Ryan Grigson has to use yet another high pick on a pass rusher. The choice is between Floyd and Noah Spence of Eastern Kentucky. Floyd possesses more natural athleticism to work in a 3-4 system, so he gets the nod for the Colts.
Floyd has been a popular pick in mock drafts for the Colts, which makes sense considering the team's huge need in the area of pass rush. Robert Mathis is 35 years old, Trent Cole is 33 years old, and behind those two there's not much whatsoever at the area. There was Jonathan Newsome, but he was released following a disappointing 2015 season and an arrest earlier this offseason. Bjoern Werner was drafted a few years ago to provide a pass rusher, but he failed to develop into that. So instead, the Colts have been struggling over the past few seasons to just get by when it comes to pressuring the quarterback, and that is a huge emphasis for them this offseason. It wouldn't at all be a surprise to see them target a pass rusher in the draft, and early on at that. If Kadar's mock draft actually happens, the Colts would have the opportunity to actually choose between talented potential pass rushers with Leonard Floyd and Noah Spence both still available at pick number 18.
In three seasons at Georgia, Floyd played in 38 games (starting 32) and recorded 184 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four passes defensed, and 54 quarterback pressures. He led his team in sacks in each of his three seasons in addition to receiving individual attention for his play. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2013, and then in 2014 he was named Georgia's Defensive MVP. In 2015, he was named a finalist for the Butkus Award and ultimately declared for the NFL Draft after his junior campaign.