Indianapolis Colts
Key draft needs: OL, OLB, RB
Record: 7-7
Offensive line – There is no secret that the Colts offensive line has been unable to protect franchise quarterback Andrew Luck. The only safe spot on the line is left tackle Anthony Castonzo, who is a good but not exactly great blindside blocker. Western Michigan’s Taylor Moton and Arkansas’s Dan Skipper are solid mid-round prospects that can provide big building blocks on the right side to protect Luck.
Outside linebacker – Indianapolis is 23rd in the NFL in team sacks with nine-year veteran Erik Walden leading the team with eight. His production does not necessarily mean the position is reliable as veterans Robert Mathis and Trent Cole have given very little over the past couple of seasons. If the Colts want to target a pass rusher in round one, Tennessee’s Derek Barnett can be the game-changer that Indianapolis truly needs.
Running back – The 33-year-old Frank Gore is chugging along but his better days are definitely behind him and the team will benefit from an injection of youth, speed, and skill in the backfield with Luck. Running back is also a definite possibility in the first round and Florida State’s Dalvin Cook can upgrade the Colts offense immediately. If the team waits until the middle rounds, look for Clemson’s Wayne Gallman or Tennessee’s Alvin Kamara as options.