Stampede Blue’s Mock Draft Face Off

It’s Mock Draft Face Off Time! In this series, we will look at mocking viable and realistic options to the Colts each week, and analysing each pick in how they fit the Colts.

Welcome to Mock Draft Face Off with Elliot and Stephen! The off-season is officially here and the NFL draft is arguably the league’s biggest off-season event. Each week we will both be mocking draft picks to the Colts and analysing them. We will now be mocking the first round pick by the Colts, then building up to include the other rounds and picks as we get closer to the draft.

Elliot’s Round 1 Pick 21

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Kwity Paye - EDGE - Michigan

Kwity Paye was a three year starter at Michigan after only featuring in two games in his freshman year. Paye, 6’4 and 277 lbs, has great size, athleticism and effort all which will help him excell at the next level. Paye can rush the passer well and also defends the run well too. He uses a mix of speed and power from the defensive end position to beat offensive tackles and collapse the pocket. Paye could start straight away for the Colts at the defensive end position while due to his already good foundational ability, but there is still plenty of room for improvement and development for him. Adding Paye to the defensive line could give the Colts a high level edge rusher for the next 10 plus years.

Stephen’s Analysis

A pair of Wolverine’s in this week’s faceoff. Kwity Paye is the ideal Chris Ballard type of edge rusher. He’s a versatile DE that does not need to be taken off the field on run downs. Echoing what Elliot said, he’s got great upside. One of the bigger things is his character. He’s a self-motivated player with a compelling story as an immigrant to America. His challenges show why he plays how he plays and who he’s playing for. As they say in “Hamilton” the musical, immigrants, they get the job done.

Stephen’s Round 1 Pick 21

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Jalen Mayfield - OT - Michigan

Jalen Mayfield is a candidate here at 21, but more likely, a target for the Colts after a trade back. Mayfield is a raw prospect but has all the tools that Chris Ballard likes. He stands 6’5”, weighs 319 lbs with above average length. He’s scheme versatile and has experience against the top edge rushers from the Big Ten. He’ll have time to develop and receive a great leader next to him in Quenton Nelson, which will help mitigate Mayfield’s lack of experience.

Mayfield is mobile and can get to the next level. He’s athletic and won’t get beat by speed rushers but is strong enough to be the focal point of a power run game. The Colts need to get a high upside, low floor prospect at the LT position and Mayfield is certainly that.

Elliot’s Analysis

Mayfield is one of the more athletic offensive tackles in this class and it shows on tape. His physical tool set and raw athleticism are clear as day to see and he relied on this heavily during his two year college career. Mayfield does need some refinement with his technique but it is nothing that shouldn't hinder him from starting straight away. Like Stephen said he is a raw prospect but his potential high ceiling and already present tools will be massively interesting to Chris Ballard. Mayfield could easily start straight away at right tackle in the league and with some development could make the switch to left tackle. The Colts need a left tackle who can come in and start on the blind side straight away, Mayfield could be that but then again he might not make the transition so smoothly.