Colts Mock Draft: Mateo 2.0

First of all, I read all of the comments and I made some adjustments. I stopped using The Draft Network’s simulator and switched over to FanSpeak, as it is more predictable, but also much more realistic. I went with players I really like and would love to see the Colts take, but not necessarily the players I think the Colts would select. Keep in mind that the simulations, like the NFL Draft itself, are not always linear, some players slide, some players are picked way before the projections, it just happens.

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Round 1, pick 26

N’Keal Harry, wide receiver, Arizona State

Harry is one of my favorite receivers in the draft, and with Luck, his skill set would be elevated to a different level. Harry is a big, physical receiver that never gives up on a play/route. He would be the ideal complement to T.Y Hilton’s style of play and, in my opinion, he has a higher ceiling than Hilton. His production has been consistent over his final two seasons in college, he posted an average of 75/1.100/9 line.

Harry is extremely competitive and has a personality that fits the Colts locker room. He would immediately solve the Colts' receiver need, and would become one of Luck’s favorite weapons. It also helps him that at 21, he is one of the youngest receivers in the Draft.

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Round 2, pick 2

Dre’Mont Jones, defensive line, Ohio State

As an uber-athletic, complete defensive tackle, Jones would become one of the stars of the Colts defense, which is in dire need of some blue-chip players. While he has some issues on his technique and body build, there is nothing that cannot be corrected with coaching and a proper diet/workout plan.

Jones can provide pass-rushing ability from the inside of the line, something the Colts struggled to do consistently last season. He might not be as polished as Wilkins right now, but in 2 or 3 seasons he will be among the best defensive linemen in the entire league.

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Round 2, pick 27

Taylor Rapp, safety, Washington

Rapp is a strong, thumper safety that can also hold his ground against tight ends. He is not the typical “box” safety but he is a sure-fire tackler that can lay out the big hit. Rapp and Hooker would complement each other perfectly. Additionally, Rapp would fill the long-term need at safety, considering Geathers only resigned on a one-year deal.

Rapp is a solid safety prospect that would help stabilize the backfield of the secondary, given the injury concerns both Hooker and Geathers have suffered in the past.

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Round 3, pick 25

Lonnie Johnson, cornerback, Kentucky

The hometown player from Gary, Indiana is a raw project from a typically non-football school. If given time to develop his skills, Johnson could become the first true #1 CB on the Colts roster since the prime days of Vontae Davis. Johnson's long wingspan allows him to jam wide receivers at the line, and he is gifted enough athletically to cover deep threats.

The only caveat with Johnson is that there are questions about his work ethic and competitive nature, but if Reich and his teammates can keep him motivated, he should be fine.

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Round 4, pick 27

Miles Boykin, wide receiver, Notre Dame

Even though my last mock was roasted for selecting 3 receivers, I could not help myself with Boykin still on the board. He is a big (6’4’’) receiver with above-average speed (4.42) and excellent leaping ability. Boykin would give the Colts a strong red-zone complement besides Ebron and Funchess and could develop into a better receiver than Funchess ever could.

The main knocks on Boykin are his route running and his hand usage at the line, but, again, his issues are coachable. If Reggie Wayne returns as a volunteer receivers coach then this is a young guy who could develop nicely.

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Round 4, pick 33

Jalen Jelks, edge, Oregon

Jelks is a long edge defender that may need a year or two before being able to regularly play defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. After a mediocre combine, his draft stock is dropping and the Colts should consider taking a flyer on him as a developmental prospect with tremendous upside.

Right away, Jelks could be a valuable special teams contributor as a field goal blocker due to his height and bendiness and could also serve the role of a situational pass-rusher. A couple years down the road he could become a terror for opposing quarterbacks.

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Round 5, pick 26

Lamont Gaillard, center, Georgia

This table should tell you everything. Without Ryan Kelly, the Colts offensive line crumbled. The need for a true backup center is evident, and Gaillard would more than fill the need. Gaillard is a technically sound, high football IQ center. He was a team captain while at Georgia and has the nasty demeanor the Colts love protecting their quarterback. His weaknesses are his size and lack of athleticism, but for a backup center one could do much worse.

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Round 6, pick 26

Trayveon Williams, running back, Texas A&M

Williams’ stock has been climbing in the past few weeks, so the Colts should consider themselves lucky is he falls to the 6th. I first heard about Williams because several of the other writers were raving about how he was an excellent all-around back. Williams is a patient runner that has the ability to hit the open hole and does not panic in the backfield. He might not be the most explosive or strongest runner, but he can also catch and protect the quarterback.

Williams is also a blue-collar type of guy willing to bust his a** in training camp, and is always working on his craft.

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Round 7, pick 26

Cole Tracy, kicker, LSU

This might seem like a wasted pick, but the Colts should have a plan B in case Father Time unexpectedly catches up to Vinatieri. Tracy has proven to be a reliable, clutch kicker, and he would not be asked to handle kickoff duties as that is already Rigoberto Sanchez’ job. Tracy would make the perfect insurance policy in case something happens to Vinny. Also in the latter stages of the 7th round, there was not much value anywhere else.