NFL Draft 2017: Colts select edge rusher Tarell Basham in third round

The Indianapolis Colts have selected Ohio edge rusher Tarell Basham with their third round pick, number 80 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.

After taking defensive backs with their first two picks, the Colts now have added their pass rusher that many have been waiting for. With the Colts, he most likely will fit in as a 3-4 rush linebacker - which is something they very much needed.

Basham was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 as he recorded 11.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, while in 2015 he recorded 5.5 sacks and ten tackles for loss. According to Pro Football Focus he had a pass rush productivity rating of 14.6 last year, which ranked 15th in this year’s edge class. He is a player who plays very hard and has a good motor and he possesses some interesting potential as a pass rusher. In four seasons at Ohio, Basham recorded 29.5 sacks and 41.5 tackles for loss.

The Colts made some moves at outside linebacker this offseason by signing Jabaal Sheard, John Simon, and Barkevious Mingo, but they didn’t really add a true pass rusher. That’s likely what they’re hoping Basham can be. He’s an interesting prospect who could find himself as a situational pass rusher without having to shoulder the entire load at outside linebacker right away due to the signings of Sheard and Simon.

Here’s a complete look at the Colts’ picks in the 2017 NFL Draft:

1st round, 15th overall: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

2nd round, 46th overall: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida

3rd round, 80th overall: Tarell Basham, EDGE, Ohio

4th round, 122nd overall

4th round, 137th overall (from New England Patriots)

4th round, 144th overall (compensatory)

5th round, 158th overall

The Colts picked up an extra fourth round pick (137th overall) from the New England Patriots earlier this offseason in exchange for tight end Dwayne Allen and their sixth round pick. That’s where the team’s sixth round pick went, and their seventh round pick was traded early in the 2015 season to the Cleveland Browns as a conditional draft choice for Billy Winn. The Colts also received an extra fourth round pick this year (144th overall) as a compensatory pick because of the departure of tight end Coby Fleener to the New Orleans Saints last offseason.

To keep up with all of the picks throughout the league in the 2017 NFL Draft, check out our draft tracker here.