2015 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts Lose, Who is the 1st Round Pick?
By Erik Lambert
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) runs off the field after losing to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
If the Indianapolis Colts were seeking a barometer for how far away they are from a championship, the New England Patriots smacked them across the face with it on Conference Championship Sunday with a decisive 45-7 rout. It’s clear for all this team has accomplished, they aren’t at the same level as the elite teams in the league and until they find the personnel to get them there, they’ll continue to be an also-ran. Hitting big in the 2015 NFL draft would be a huge step.
More from NFL Draft
- Packers’ Lukas Van Ness will make a Lambeau leap into the NFL in 2023
- 2024 NFL Draft: Hunter Haas’ Top 50 Big Board
- NFL preseason Week 3: Notre Dame’s Mayer, Foskey with something to prove
- NFL Draft Notebook: Bo Nix is the third-best quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft
- Mac Jones ‘a pretty flexible guy’; Patriots QB earning kind words from Belichick
Here is a look at the teams’ roster needs, pending free agents and possible targets this coming April.
NOTABLE FREE AGENTS
WRs: Reggie Wayne, Hakeem Nicks
DL: Cory Redding
CBs: Darius Butler
LBs: Jerrell Freeman, Andy Studebaker
AREAS OF NEED
- Linebacker
- Safety
- Wide Receiver
- Defensive Line
- Offensive Line
POTENTIAL FIRST ROUND OPTIONS
Linebacker
Danielle Hunter, LSU: Big upside athlete who can explode off the edge and has the strength and quickness to fluster blockers.
Nate Orchard, Utah: Proven pass rusher with good length.
Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State: Great size and range. Always around the football.
Denzel Perryman, Miami (Fl.): Fierce hitter. Vocal leader of the defense and intelligent.
Safety
Gerod Holliman, Louisville: Gifted ball hawk with special instincts. Needs to toughen up.
Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss: Big, tough secondary captain who brings the wood on ball carriers.
Wide Receiver
Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma: Mercurial personality but top 5 talent as a receiver.
Sammie Coates, Auburn: Blazing speed with return ability and emerging technique.
Jaelen Strong, Arizona State: Good size and uses it well. Has hands to make the big catches.
Defensive Line
Eddie Goldman, Florida State: Big but mobile interior man with great awareness and strength.
Malcom Brown, Texas: Large anchor in the middle who is hard to get off his spot but can move if he wanted.
Arik Armstead, Oregon: Raw mechanically, but a gifted athlete with size and length.
Offensive Line
La’El Collins, LSU: Somewhat awkward body but a terrific all-around blocker who does everything well.