NFL Draft 2017: Latest two-round mock draft has Colts taking Haason Reddick

In recent weeks, SB Nation’s Dan Kadar has had the Colts taking running back Dalvin Cook in the first round of his mock drafts. In his latest mock released today, however, he’s changed it up to reflect a correct understanding that the team desperately needs defensive help.

In the first round of Kadar’s mock, he has the Colts taking Temple linebacker Haason Reddick:

Reddick gives Indianapolis a linebacker who can do a little of everything really well, including the pass rush threat they need.

Then in the second round, Kadar has them taking UConn safety Obi Melifonwu:

Melifonwu is a favorite of scouts and gives Indianapolis a safety who can cover and act as a third cornerback.

Reddick has really been rising quickly up draft boards, and now the question is whether he’ll even be available by the Colts’ pick in the first place. He played in 47 career games at Temple, recording 147 tackles, 46 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and seven passes defensed. He had a standout senior season in 2016, as he recorded 65 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and four passes defensed. He’s a versatile player who would likely play as an inside linebacker in the Colts’ 3-4 scheme but who also has the ability to get after the quarterback, making him especially appealing to teams.

Melifonwu was a four-year starter at UConn who played in 48 games, recording 351 tackles, eleven tackle for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 16 passes defensed, and eight interceptions. In 2016, he racked up 118 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and three passes defensed along with one fumble recovery. He’s a tremendous athlete who has some skills and traits that will appeal to teams, and it seems that he may go in the first round too. So if he lasts all the way to the Colts in the second round, he may very well be the best player still available on their board.

Ultimately, adding these two players would help the Colts improve their defense, adding two playmakers to that side of the ball for the team to work with.