NFL Mock Draft 2017: Even with free agent moves, Colts still projected to take a pass rusher

The Colts have made a number of moves in free agency so far, and three of those moves have been outside linebacker additions. The Colts have signed Jabaal Sheard, John Simon, and Barkevious Mingo as a start to addressing a really weak position, but that doesn’t mean they’re done there.

They could still use pass rush help, and that’s exactly what SB Nation’s Dan Kadar has them getting in his most recent mock draft. Kadar has them taking UCLA outside linebacker Takkarist McKinley with the 15th overall pick.

Even with the signing of Jabaal Sheard, John Simon, and Barkevious Mingo, the Colts still need edge talent. That’s what the speedy McKinley can provide.

Kadar is absolutely right in saying that the Colts “still need edge talent.” Honestly, I still consider a pass rusher to be the biggest need on the roster, because the moves made in free agency weren’t for legitimate pass rush guys. They have the ability to get after the quarterback, sure, but they’re best suited to play the strongside role as the replacement for Erik Walden. So the Colts’ signings so far definitely shouldn’t rule out them adding a pass rusher in the first round of the draft. There are other needs that would be perfectly understandable to address in the first round - cornerback is a huge one, as is inside linebacker - but the Colts shouldn’t be ruling out a pass rusher.

McKinley is a good player, having recorded 17 sacks and 29 tackles for loss in three seasons at UCLA. As a senior in 2016, he recorded ten sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles to go with 61 tackles and six passes defensed. One of the big concerns about McKinley right now is that he’s got a shoulder issue that could cause him to miss 5-6 months, but perhaps the signings the Colts have made so far give them a bit more flexibility to be able to let McKinley fully heal.