2015 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts Lose, Who is the 1st Round Pick?

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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.

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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.

Next: Bears Nearing Another Home-Run Hire?