The Indianapolis Colts add two dynamic playmakers in a new NFL mock draft
With just one more game remaining until the official end of the 2023 NFL season, most teams are fully in offseason mode. That includes the Indianapolis Colts, whose fans are now looking toward free agency, and the 2024 NFL Draft. To prepare all 32 fan bases for the upcoming draft, I published my first two-round […]
With just one more game remaining until the official end of the 2023 NFL season, most teams are fully in offseason mode.
That includes the Indianapolis Colts, whose fans are now looking toward free agency, and the 2024 NFL Draft.
To prepare all 32 fan bases for the upcoming draft, I published my first two-round mock draft of the cycle, in which the Colts landed two dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Round 1, Pick 15: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
"There may not be a better fit in this draft than Georgia TE Brock Bowers in Shane Steichen's offense with Anthony Richardson. Bowers ability to be both a safety blanket and a walking big play at the TE position has him viewed as one of the best TE prospects of all time. Both teams set to play in the Super Bowl have two of the best TEs in the NFL in Travis Kelce and George Kittle. And Even the runner-ups in both conferences had two highly drafted TEs with Mark Andrews and Sam Laporta; it seems obvious how important a true game-changer at the TE position can be for an NFL offense."
Some doubt if Bowers will make it to the Colts at 15, which is a fair criticism. But with TE not being a position many teams warrant a first-round pick on, paired with the potential runs on QB, WR, and OT to start the draft, I think there is a better chance than people realize. And if you are reading this and don't think a TE is worth this high of a pick, I stress to you to recognize that Bowers is much more than a typical TE prospect and could be the next elite playmaker at TE, which, if you ask me is just as valuable as a top tier WR in today's NFL.
Round 2, Pick 46: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
"After going Bowers, I have the Colts targeting help in the secondary in round two in Minnesota's safety Tyler Nubin. The Colts have a big need in the secondary, and some will be confused not seeing a CB drafted with either of their first two picks, but I'd argue that a ball-hawk FS that they can rely on is just as big of a need. Nubin is coming off his best season in coverage, finishing the year with five interceptions. I think he would be a perfect fit for the Colts to pair with SS Julian Blackmon if they choose to resign the veteran."
I believe the Colts should prioritize bringing back Julian Blackmon in free agency, who was having a career season before ending it on IR late in the year. But finding a reliable FS to pair with him could unlock more to his game. Tyler Nubin out of Minnesota seems like a perfect fit to fill the Colts FS position and man the single high looks they often used in 2023. Neither Rodney Thomas nor Nick Cross has been able to lock up the starting job, and both have had their fair share of struggles. This is why I believe the FS position is just as significant of a need as CB for the Colts.
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