Stampede Blue’s Mock Draft Face Off - Trade Edition

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 analyzing 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.

This is a special trade edition of Mock Draft Face Off in which both Elliot and Stephen will each mock the Indianapolis Colts trading back in the draft and the selection.

Elliot’s Trade Scenario

TRADE - The Indianapolis Colts trade pick 21 to the Buffalo Bills for pick 30, pick 61 and a 2022 fifth round pick.

The Colts trade back 9 picks in the draft whilst picking up a second round pick this year and a fifth round pick next year. The Colts are still within range to pick a high quality starter at 30th overall and have also gained a 2021 second round pick and a fifth round pick next year which will help offset the load lost in the Carson Wentz trade with Philadelphia.

Elliot’s Mock Draft Selection

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With the 30th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft the Indianapolis Colts select Teven Jenkins, offensive tackle from Oklahoma State.

The Colts take an athletic offensive tackle who can play at both right or left tackle at the next level. Teven Jenkins is a mean offensive tackle who physically overwhelms opposing defenders he blocks against. Jenkins is a very athletic offensive tackle but also pairs this with great upper body strength and powerful hands. Jenkins could easily slot into the Colts starting line up at left tackle next to Quenton Nelson. Or if the Colts wish to move right tackle Braden Smith over to the left side then Jenkins could play on the right too. Jenkins has experience at both tackle spots and his nasty blocking demeanour will bode well when joining the Colts offensive line group.

Stephen’s Analysis

This trade makes a lot of sense for the Colts. Dropping back and still able to get an athletic OT like Teven Jenkins is a huge coup. Adding in the extra second round pick helps offset the loss of the Carson Wentz trade. A trade like this puts the Colts in position to lock up their LT, DE and TE of the future before the end of the second round. That’d be an ideal scenario.

Stephen’s Trade Scenario

TRADE - Indianapolis Colts trade pick 21 to the New York Giants for picks 42, 76 and a 2022 2nd round pick.

The Colts drop back 21 picks in this draft but add an extra 3rd round pick in this draft and future 2nd round pick for their drop. Given the depth of the LT position, this move makes a lot of sense for the Colts and gives Chris Ballard a full set of seven draft picks in this draft and in 2022. We all know how much Ballard loves 2nd round picks.

Stephen’s Mock Draft Selection

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With the 42nd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft the Indianapolis Colts select Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami.

Most would think OT makes the most sense here, and that’s true. However, as mentioned above, this OT class is incredibly deep so the Colts should be able to grab a quality OT, like Dillon Radunz, Liam Eichenberg or Brady Christianshen, at pick 54 or 76 and feel very comfortable with them stepping in on day 1.

This may come as a surprise because Jaelan Phillips is projected as a pontential first round pick. Here’s the thought process, Phillips injury history is very concerning. UCLA retired Phillips from football due to concussions. He very well could slide down boards due to these medical issues. Injuries aside, Phillips could be the most complete DE in this class. He’s got all of the athletic traits and technical abilities a defensive coach would want. He’s a plug and play three down starter if his medicals check out. If teams are concerned about his medicals, Phillips could slide even further. It’s certainly a gamble but one Ballard could make for a DE with elite traits.

Elliot’s Analysis

Being able to move down into the second round while still being able to pick one of the top edge rushers in Jaelan Phillips is a dream come true for the Colts. Dropping 21 picks is less than ideal but with Phillips being still on the board it is a home run scenario. Phillips is a very enticing prospect with a great athletic abilities and very much a technician. There are the injury concerns which did lead to him being medically retired by UCLA and with no NFL Combine this year the medical side of the draft process could stifle his draft stock. The Colts adding a third round pick this year and a second round pick next year will help replace the picks given up in the Wentz trade., which makes it a great trade.