COLTS/JETS 2016 TEAM MOCKS

April 28, 2016

While the speculation and tension builds for the actual NFL Draft tonight, how about we engage your imagination with another daily double of Team Mock Drafts.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 6 Picks
The 2015 season is long forgotten, by most, and the organization is pressing forward with the same cast of characters running this Draft and a burning need to add some quality players to a talented but thin roster.

Round 1, Pick 18 NOAH SPENCE/ER/DE/E. KENTUCKY 6’3/251
DWIGHT FREENEY is gone and ROBERT MATHIS is going into his mid-thirties. The Defense badly needs a major blitzing force and SPENCE looks like he could fit that bill. His exact position title is still to be determined, but his role is clearly defined. SPENCE will be defined by what he does, which is get after the QB. PP#20

Round 2, Pick 48 GERMAIN IFEDI/T/G/TEXAS A&M 6’6/324
We all know a big priority is to better protect ANDREW LUCK before he’s so beaten up he retires at age 30. The downside with IFEDI is the possibility that he cannot adjust to NFL level speed at OT, and has to slide in and learn to play OG. Either way he will be force fed in an attempt to get the five best OL athletes on the field to help LUCK. His size is elite in every way so count on him helping right away. PP#58

Round 3, Pick 82 NICK VANNETT/TE/OHIO STATE 6’6/257
COBY FLEENER left for a bigger pay check in New orleans, leaving the COLTS thin at the TE slot. VANNETT doesn’t have big college numbers in part because the Buckeyes rotate talented TE and don’t target them a lot.But he’s a prototype for the inline TE slot. He proved at the Senior Bowl that he can get open and catch the ball, and verified his blocking ability. In the near future he could be considered an upgrade over FLEENER for he COLTS. PP#87

Round 4, PIck 116 JAYRON KEARSE/S/CLEMSON 6’4/216
The COLTS need depth and a talent upgrade at the S slots. KEARSE is an athletic upgrade, but will need to learn assignment discipline to play at he pro level. We will likely know by mid-season how well his adjustment to the NFL is going. He should make an excellent Special Teams player right away. PP#117

Round 5, Pick 155 JAY LEE/WR/BAYLOR 6’2/214
A long limbed guy who made his living running go routes in college. But he showed some all-around ability at the Senior Bowl leading his squad in catches on game day. He has a great chance to make the squad and see the field as a Rookie in a thin WR group. LUCK should love this fast, sure handed target. PP#159

Round 7, Pick 239 ANTWAUN WOODS/DT/SOUTHERN CAL 6’0/329
THe COLTS found a nice surprise last year in how well Rookie DAVID PARRY from Stanford filled their NT slot. But he’s undersized and needs some help. WOODS is a prototype NT with great bulk and strength, but limited range. PP#232
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NEW YROK JETS 6 Picks
The JETS are planning on nothing less than a Play-Off run this season, but have more than a few position issues to solve, especially at QB. But they enter this Draft trying to draft 6 players who will upgrade their overall roster. Don’t hold your breath for a QB selection in this Draft for them.

Round 1, Pick 20 SHAQ LAWSON/OLB/ER/CLEMSON 6’3/269
TODD BOWLES needs more young talent to pressure opponents passers. That is what LAWSON does best. He may be placed at OLB, but with his hand down much of the time. ALso expect BOWLES to move him around to confuse blocking assignments. No matter where he lines up the message will be, QB beware! It also should be noted that by shooting gaps he’s also a TFL machine versus the run. PP#24

Round 2, Pick 51 VONN BELL/S/OHIO STATE 5’11/200
The JETS aren’t desperate in their secondary, but they need some quality youth and extra guys to fill sub-package roles. BELL appears to have long range starting ability, so it’s likely a question of when he starts not if. Right now he’s very good in coverage, but lacks the heart of a lion as a tackler. THat will have to be developed, and he is well aware of it. PP#51

Round 3, Pick 83 LeRAVEN CLARK/OT/TEXAS TECH 6’5/316
NFL Scouts are in luv with this guy’s potential, but coaches wonder how long it will take him to adjust to the pro game coming from TECH. He played in a two-point stance almost his entire college career. But I felt he looked natural at the Senior Bowl adapting to a 3-point stance. He’s long and strong, and has good pass pro skills already. He’s a future starter at LT, but maybe not now. PP#84

Round 4, Pick 118 MARQUEZ NORTH/WR/TENNESSEE 6’3/213
Talk about a raw, but supremely talented guy this is it. NORTH looks to have the same kind of long range potential as BRANDON MARSHALL. The JETS will hope he’s a quick learner and MARSHALL will be willing to take him under his wing. The sky may be the limit for this guy who struggled with injuries and coaching changes. PP#113

Round 5, Pick 157 ISAAC SEUMALO/G/C/OREGON STATE 6’4/303
A big strong athlete who looks like a future Pro Bowler if his lower body injuries are behind him. He came back to have a very productive 2015 season for a bad team. He’s been an Academic All-American and a team captain. Playing inside his 33″ arms are quite a weapon. Starting potential, long term. PP#152

Round 7, Pick 241 JATAVIS BROWN/LB/S/AKRON 5’11/221
He will be an immediate star on Special Teams, but despite lacking ideal size he is also likely to see some time as a cover LB in sub-packages. He also looks like a nice blitz option for BOWLES defensive scheme. Was not at the Combine in INdy but blew up a Super Regional Combine with his speed and agility. Hits a ton. PP#245

Happy NFL Draft everyone.

Pigskin