NFL Mock Draft: Interesting selections for each AFC South team on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft

With the No. 41 overall selection in the 2024 NFL midseason mock draft, the Indianapolis Colts select Patrick Paul, OT, Houston. Getting Anthony Richardson protection and keeping him healthy is a top priority in Indianapolis; Paul is that guy. 

In his first year of 2019, Paul saw action in three games and had 178 snaps at left tackle, allowing one QB hurry, three QB hits, and no sacks. In his sophomore season of 2020, Paul played in two games and 147 snaps, giving up two QB hurries but no QB hits or sacks. As a junior in 2021, Paul had 14 games and 964 snaps, all at left tackle, yielding 11 QB hurries, four QB hits, and three sacks.

Lastly, in his senior year of 2022, Paul had 12 games and 832 snaps while playing left tackle, resulting in 12 QB hurries, three QB hits, and one sack.

Paul has the agility to predict plays, is good at trapping and bending his knees, and has adequate core strength to absorb a bull rush. He can make paths at the second level if he hits the target, has knowledge of blocking angles, and uses his body positioning to his advantage. He is disciplined and has awareness, works well in space, and has low hips for leverage against shorter defenders. He is best on the outside due to his height and athleticism, but he is also capable of blocking on the move. He can dip his shoulder and move his feet to get outside leverage when needed and is solid and low coming out of his stance, making him excellent at short-yardage situations.

Paul will anchor the Colt's O-line and establish a formidable layer of protection in Lucas Oil Field for the next decade. He is a steal at No. 41 and should have gone late 20s.