NFL mock draft 2017: Colts take Jonathan Allen in SB Nation mock draft

I’ll be the first to admit, this is probably a far-fetched scenario, but as the SB Nation writers’ mock draft continued, one name in particular kept dropping: Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen.

He dropped all the way to number 15, at which point our own Stephen Reed decided to stop his fall and get a steal in the mock draft. Here’s part of what Stephen said about the pick:

That being said the Colts are happy to stop the fall of Jonathan Allen. Allen is arguably the best defensive lineman in this class, a top-three talent and somehow fell to the Colts at 15. He comes from Alabama's pro-style 3-4 defense and can play anywhere along the defensive line. Allen consistently stops the run, rushes the passer and quickly recognizes screens or draws. All things the Colts have lacked since possibly Booger McFarland, who coincidentally was also a 15th pick. Yes, Allen's shoulders are cause for concern but, assuming everything checks out, this pick is a no-brainer. The Colts immediately upgrade a position of significant weakness with a potential All-Pro caliber player.

Allen is widely regarded as one of the top overall prospects in the draft, and currently the most common landing spot for him in mock drafts is to the Chicago Bears at number three. There are some concerns about his shoulder that could give some teams reason for pause, but he impressed as a three-year starter at Alabama in their 3-4 system and should be able to help whatever team he winds up with. As a senior in 2016, he won the Bronko Nagurski Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award, which both are given to the top defensive player in the country, and also won the Ted Hendricks Award as the best defensive end. He was also a unanimous All-American.

Though the Colts arguably need pass rushers and cornerbacks and inside linebackers more than they need defensive linemen, what they need most on defense are playmakers, regardless of where they are. That’s a big thing the Colts have been lacking, so adding Allen wouldn’t just be selecting the best player available at number 15 but would also give the Colts a guy who could be a difference-maker up front on defense - and, as we know, Chris Ballard places a big emphasis on the trenches.

Again, this pick is unlikely for the Colts because it’s unlikely that Jonathan Allen would drop all the way to 15. But that’s what happened in SB Nation’s mock draft, so the Colts wound up with a steal. And with a month left before draft time, perhaps Allen’s stock will wind up sliding anyway (perhaps due to his shoulder).

What are your thoughts on this pick?