The Future Begins Around... 11-11:30?

The NFL draft begins this evening and the Colts will likely be on the clock tonight around 11-11:30 pm eastern time unless they trade up or trade down. This is the draft that should put the finishing touches on what is already a very good roster. This is Chris Ballard's third draft and I believe the Colts will be looking to add some more skill position talent after adding talent in the trenches last year. There are a few positions and players that I hope the Colts don't even look at, then there are a few I hope Ballard sprints to podium to draft. I'll review those very quickly in my last little piece of draft prep.

Positions I Hope They Ignore:

1. DT - a penetrating 3-technique is instrumental to the Colts' 4-3 defense and they already have what they consider to be two very talented 3-tech's who showed up in a big way last year in Denico Autry and Tyquan Lewis. I also don't love the idea of chasing a nose tackle, especially early in the draft, when Margus Hunt, Grover Stewart, and Hassan Ridgeway are on the roster. Jihad Ward is also a fun prospect already on the roster.

2. Safety - The Colts obviously already have their starters at safety in Clayton Geathers and Malik Hooker then they have intriguing depth that showed flashes after the last couple of years in Matthias Farley and George Odum while they also added Derrick Kindred this offseason.

3. Running back - Marlon Mack, Nyheim Hines, Jordan Wilkins, and Johnathan Williams is a very young, diverse, and talented running back that if everyone stays healthy could be among the league's best next year.

Players I Hope They Stay Clear Of:

1. Jeffery Simmons - torn ACL, won't be able to contribute this year - not worth a first at this point.

2. Dexter Lawrence - Could be a great player but how does he fit in a defensive scheme predicated on speed?

3. DK Metcalf - physical freak with stiff hips. Could be a deep ball threat but I don't know if he could be much more.

Positions Needed:

1. Edge Rusher - I love the Justin Houston pick up and I also love Tyquan Lewis, Jabaal Sheard, and Geneo Grissom ( Kemoko Turay is fine, but I don't love him) but the Colts need a dominant pass rusher for the defense to take the next step. The Colts took Dwight Freeney at number 11 in 2002 and Robert Mathis in the 5th round in 2003. Time to find a new Dright Freeney or Robert Mathis.

2. Wide Receiver - TY Hilton is great. Can't argue that. Deon Cain has potential. Devin Funchess is a red zone threat that is a pretty solid route runner. The Colts still need more playmakers as we learned last year.

3. Cornerback - Career years from Kenny Moore and Pierre Desir buoyed the defense last year, but who is to say they don't regress this year? You can never have enough good corners.

Players I Need On The Colts:

1. Clelin Ferrell - edge rusher who proved it in college and is stout against the run.

2. Greedy Williams - long, fast corner who would look good on the outside opposite of Desir.

3. Chase Winovich - I love his size and speed off the edge.

4. Jaylon Ferguson - all-time record holder for sacks in FBS, there's a reason for that. Get him to Indy.

5. Andy Isabella - Fast as all get out. Get him in the slot next to TY and let's take the top off all the defenses.

I like Ferrell or Greedy at 26, Winovich or Ferguson at 34, and Isabella at 59.

This draft will be the finishing touches to a team that is already built for the future. I can't wait to see who the Colts snag tonight, tomorrow, and Saturday. Undrafted Free Agents are also typically a large part of the Colts' roster. they'll be the official finishing touches. Let's go!

Photo courtesy of USA Today