Player who benefited most from draft: DE Kwity Paye
Unlike in 2021, when they used their first two draft picks on pass-rushers, the Colts went on the offensive side of the ball with their first three draft picks, which shows they have a lot of faith that Paye can be one of their two top pass-rushers next season. The Colts, in fact, didn't select a defensive end during the draft. Paye should have an opportunity to improve upon his four sacks during his rookie season with veteran Yannick Ngakoue, who has 55.5 career sacks, lined up at the other defensive end spot. -- Mike Wells
Quarterback has been a revolving door in Indianapolis since the surprise retirement of Andrew Luck nearly three years ago, but the Colts appear confident that Matt Ryan -- who turns 37 later this month -- will finally bring stability under center. Jim Irsay said last week he believed Ryan could play another four seasons with the Colts. The owner's rosy viewpoint was echoed in Indy's 2022 draft class, which included eight picks but nary a quarterback among them. GM Chris Ballard lost his first-rounder in the doomed Carson Wentz acquisition in 2021, but he still came out of Vegas with a solid haul that included offensive players with each of the team's first three picks. The Colts know they must become more explosive on that side of the ball to compete in the loaded AFC.
Matt Ryan makes this is a better team, but they will rely on two rookie draft picks to protect his blind side (Bernhard Raimann) and help down the downfield passing game (Alec Pierce). That's asking a lot.
They had a sneaky good draft on the heels of acquiring QB Matt Ryan and CB Stephon Gilmore and might have erased the gap on a Tennessee squad that appears to be in transition.
We would not have been shocked to learn in February that the Colts were moving on from Carson Wentz. But to acquire a veteran like Matt Ryan for only a third-round pick? That was surprising. Only a disaster in Week 18 kept the Colts out of the playoffs last year, and our panel seems to like Indianapolis' chances to be in the AFC wild-card mix -- at least right now.
The 21st overall pick played 40 of 53 defensive snaps (75%) in the 28-16 loss to the Seahawks. He tallied three tackles -- including one for a loss -- and a fumble recovery on a play where linebacker Darius Leonard punched the ball out. Paye would have also had a sack, but the play was negated because of a penalty. -- Mike Wells
"If you're a Colts fan, no need to worry, no need to fret, you'll be fine." That's how CBS analyst Jonathan Vilma summed up Indy's 28-16 loss to the Seahawks at Lucas Oil Stadium, and I must say, I do not entirely agree. The Colts' defense allowed an average of 11 yards on 23 Russell Wilson attempts, and the offensive line struggled mightily in both pass protection and short-yardage situations. Carson Wentz was the biggest bright spot: Despite constant pressure, Wentz moved well and avoided the killer mistakes that marked the end of his Eagles tenure. Still, Wentz took too many hits in this game. Catastrophe awaits if the Colts can't make the necessary adjustments up front.
The defense didn't play well against Seattle, which has to be concerning as they ready to play a good Rams team this week. They can't go 0-2 at home to open the season.
Overreaction: For all the worrying about Carson Wentz, this Colts defense gave up four long drives that ended with Russell Wilson touchdown passes. Two botched fourth-down attempts in Seattle territory didn't help in the second half, but Wilson had it way too easy on the road. I had these two teams one spot apart in my initial rankings, but they didn't look that close Sunday. -- Auman
Reality check: When you can't pinpoint which player or position group was most to blame for a Week 1 flop, all criticism is warranted. -- Jones
Trading for Yannick Ngakoue before the 2020 season, the Vikings should have had a dynamic 1-2 pass-rush duo with Danielle Hunter and Ngakoue. Not only did Hunter miss all of 2020, but the Vikings traded away Ngakoue only six games into his Minnesota tenure. Even so, the short-term Viking still led the team with five sacks. Meanwhile, Hunter is unhappy with his current contract.
It was an atypical journey for Phillips from the nation's top high school recruit to potential first-round pick. After briefly "retiring" from football and transferring to Miami from UCLA, everything came together for the gifted edge rusher as he recorded eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss over 10 games in his lone season in Coral Gables.
In part due to the loss of star pass rusher Danielle Hunter to injury, the Vikings were plundered defensively in 2020. Mike Zimmer will push to make sure reinforcements arrive via the draft and Phillips, while a bit of a gamble due to durability concerns, is viewed by scouts as the best overall pass rusher in this class.
The Vikings only had one pick in the top 75 before this trade and Rick Spielman needed more. Darrisaw provides great value to Minnesota because he can play tackle and guard, and they need both positions.
The Vikings have a need for a pass-rushing defensive end. There isn't a consensus among teams as to who the best edge rusher is in this year's draft, but at 6-foot-4, 271 pounds, Paye's size and athleticism would make him a nice fit in Minnesota opposite Danielle Hunter.
The Vikings haven't drafted a defensive end in the first two rounds since 2005 (Erasmus James). So history says pass rusher won't be the pick. But Minnesota ranked in the bottom five last season in sacks, and Paye has the athletic tools to be equally effective vs. the pass and the run.
Maybe Mike Zimmer was being coy when he said after the season that he liked where his offense was at. An offensive lineman could make sense, but don't they at least want to see if 2020 second-rounder Ezra Cleveland can play left tackle?
Paye might not be a sexy pick to some, but his upside is intriguing if he can channel his athleticism into better pass-rush results. The Vikings need bodies up front.
That's four mock drafts for the 2021 class for me, and four offensive linemen to Minnesota in the first round. It's a glaring hole on this roster. Darrisaw was outstanding at left tackle for the Hokies last season; our Stats & Info team tracked him at 264 total pass-block plays, and he allowed just three pressures and one sack. Put him at left tackle on Day 1 for the Vikings.
Paye improved every year at the college level and can play all three downs. He's as polished as any of the QB hunters in this class. Minnesota needs pass-rush help ASAP.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our New York Giants Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New York Giants from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Giants:
The Giants finished with a very respectable 40 sacks last season (tied with Indianapolis for 10th in the NFL) but this number is deceiving as 11.5 of them came from Leonard Williams, with no one else contributing more than four. The power-packed Paye "only" registered 11.5 sacks himself over four years at Michigan, but he has the explosive traits and work ethic to suggest bigger things in the future.
You'll hear Giants GM Dave Gettleman is more open to trading back nowadays, but he still hasn't done it and I'm not sure he will. The Giants failed in their pursuit of Leonard Floyd after going crazy everywhere else in free agency, and they lock up the best edge rusher in this year's class.
The Giants will be looking for an edge rusher or a wide receiver, but Parsons, the best linebacker in this draft, would be tough to pass up. Linebacker has been an issue for the Giants for a while.
If the Giants want Daniel Jones to succeed, continuing to upgrade the offensive line with this pick will be attractive. There is no such thing as a "safe" prospect in the NFL Draft, but Vera-Tucker is viewed by many around the league as having low bust potential and a high floor. Personally, I would go Jaylen Waddle here, which is another realistic possibility.
Parsons fits a need for another playmaker on Patrick Graham's emerging defense. That unit ranked in the top 10 in yards per play and points allowed but was in the middle of the pack in turnovers. Parsons (19 career TFLs, 6.5 sacks, six forced fumbles) is a big-play threat.
The Giants also would have intel on Parsons that other teams don't: DL coach Sean Spencer, who was very close with Parsons at Penn State and could help vouch for his character, if needed.
This is an important season for quarterback Daniel Jones. Can he take a Josh Allen-esque leap in Year 3? To do so, he has to get better pass-catchers around him. That started with the Giants adding top wideout Kenny Golladay in free agency, and Waddle would give them the draft's best deep threat, a speedy playmaker who will also make an impact in the return game. I thought about edge rusher here as well.
The Giants have been aggressive and proactive in free agency, but they still have holes to fill. As much as giving Daniel Jones another weapon is a priority, Parsons fits what they need on defense and could be an immediate standout in both pass and run defense.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Miami Dolphins Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Miami Dolphins from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The 20-year-old Pitts won the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's top tight end, as he finished the abbreviated 2020 season with 43 catches for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns. While technically a tight end, Pitts has generated some comparisons to Hall-of-Famer Calvin Johnson in terms of measurables. While there is only one Megatron, Pitts profiles as a player capable of dominating any defender lined up across from him.
Kyle Pitts' PFF grade when lined up as a WR and covered by CBs: 92.8
He's a potentially unstoppable pass catcher at any receiving position.
Emmanuel Ogbah led Miami with a career-high nine sacks, but the team parted ways this offseason with Kyle Van Noy (six) and Shaq Lawson (four), both of whom they had just added in 2020. Meanwhile, Ogbah is entering a contract year.
Paye is a freakish athlete that topped Bruce Feldman's Freaks' List heading into last season. Given the rare physical traits for his size and his tenacity, Paye's best football is ahead of him and his upside is through the roof if he can put it all together.
By trading out of the position that would have guaranteed access to one of this year's top quarterbacks, the Dolphins appear to be committing fully to Tua Tagovailoa. If he is to take the next step, Miami will need to surround him with playmakers. A bully after the catch, Chase would be an ideal No. 1 target.
It isn't just that reuniting Tagovailoa with former All-SEC standouts might make his development as a franchise quarterback that much easier, Harris -- and previously projected All-American receiver Ja'Marr Chase -- really are that good.
Chris Grier and Brian Flores worked the draft impeccably to go from No. 3 to 6 and still get a top-flight talent. Pitts is the most versatile tight end prospect we've seen in more than a decade.
I know everyone wants to send a running back to Miami but I just can't do it. Especially not when the Dolphins need EDGE help and the twitchy Paye is sitting there ready to be your edge setter.
With this pick, the Dolphins would prove their trade down from the third pick to be a brilliant move. They would get the best wide receiver in the draft in Chase (the player they might've taken at No. 3) while adding a future first-round pick.
This might be a little high for a running back, but Harris is the best at his position in this year's draft, and adding Harris along with Chase would provide an immediate boost for Miami's offense.
After trading down from No. 3 to No. 12, the Dolphins paid an expensive price to jump back into the top six. Miami made the move with the idea of drafting an offensive difference-maker and Pitts (the top non-quarterback in the class) certainly qualifies.
Parsons is the type of freaky talent that coach Brian Flores would love to add to his defense. With his background as both an off-ball linebacker and pass rusher, Parsons has elite athletic traits and can fill multiple roles in the Dolphins' scheme.
Sewell might be tough to pass on here, but Chase would give Miami a highly confident playmaker who can make life easier for Tua Tagovailoa with his separation, competitive ball skills and run-after-catch ability.
It feels more prudent for them to wait for a running back, which they can grab at Nos. 36 or 50 overall in Round 2. The Dolphins didn't add a pass rusher this offseason and currently have some uninspiring options to chase quarterbacks.
The debate here was between Phillips and Georgia's Azeez Ojulari. We sided with Phillips because of his length and extraordinary athletic burst. His medical and character reports will determine his draft landing spot. He could go from a top-20 pick all the way to a second-rounder.
You didn't see this one coming, did you? All along we've talked about the Dolphins adding weapons for Tua Tagovailoa, and Pitts is the ultimate weapon in this class. Why couldn't they take him? This gives Miami four really good pass-catchers around Tagovailoa in Pitts, Will Fuller V, DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki. Pitts and Gesicki are versatile enough to play inline or out wide. They're matchup nightmares for defenses. Another thing to note: Several teams have Pitts at No. 2 overall on their boards. Miami also gets to keep its pick at No. 18 to get help on defense.
Yes, this is the first edge rusher off the board, all the way down at No. 18. It's not an elite class, but Paye could start a run on edge defenders all the way into Round 2. There is quality overall, even if there aren't any instant stars. Paye is my top-ranked defensive end, a gifted athlete who didn't put up sack production at Michigan (11.5 sacks in four seasons). Teams will be on his potential and traits, though. With two picks down so far and the trade up for Kyle Pitts, Miami has two players who rank No. 1 at their positions.
Most mock drafts have Penei Sewell coming off the board before Slater, but a few teams have told me it'll be the other way around. Miami took offensive linemen with early picks last year, but I think they'll continue to build there and protect the QB.
The Dolphins had some success with a running back by committee last season, but Harris is a cut above. He'd be joining his college teammate, Tua Tagovailoa, in Miami's quest to win its first AFC East crown since 2008.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Minnesota Vikings from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Vikings:
Trading for Yannick Ngakoue before the 2020 season, the Vikings should have had a dynamic 1-2 pass-rush duo with Danielle Hunter and Ngakoue. Not only did Hunter miss all of 2020, but the Vikings traded away Ngakoue only six games into his Minnesota tenure. Even so, the short-term Viking still led the team with five sacks. Meanwhile, Hunter is unhappy with his current contract.
It was an unorthodox journey for Phillips from the nation's top high school recruit to potential first-round pick. After briefly retiring from football and transferring to Miami from UCLA, everything came together for the gifted edge rusher as he recorded eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss over 10 games in his lone season in Coral Gables.
Slater is super versatile and could play any of the five positions along the Vikings' line. That's a good thing, because it has a lot of holes -- Minnesota gave up 39 sacks in 2020, lost Riley Reiff and only added Mason Cole to the mix in the offseason. After rebooting the secondary, the Vikings now have to be focusing on protecting Kirk Cousins and opening lanes for Dalvin Cook.
While this class of edge rushers lacks a bona fide star, the Vikings shouldn't hesitate to take their favorite of the bunch. Paye is an explosive athlete who could help a struggling pass rush, especially if Minnesota looks to trade disgruntled star Danielle Hunter.
Nobody in the league had a lower pressure rate on opposing QBs last year than the Vikings. Edge rushers, at this point in the draft process, have not distinguished themselves yet and may push each other down the draft boards as a result. Rousseau sat out last season but in 2019, he had 15.5 sacks while lining up all over the defensive line showing his ability to get pressure not just from the edge which Minnesota desperately needs.
Coach Mike Zimmer didn't hold back when he called his defense the "worst one I've ever had," but the offensive line is priority here considering the Vikings don't have a pick in the second round. Darrisaw would be the first Hokie offensive lineman to be drafted in the first round since 2008 (Duane Brown).
The Vikings have been relatively quiet in free agency, with their two most notable signings being cornerback Patrick Peterson and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. They won't be enough to turn the Minnesota defense around. This team also has to rebuild its pass rush, and Ojulari would be a good start: Though he's undersized, he brings explosiveness and bend to the edge and could thrive opposite Danielle Hunter.
Mike Zimmer called his defense "the worst one I've ever had," so look for the Vikings to add massive reinforcements there, starting with a pass rush that only mustered 23 sacks. Kwity Paye has the physical tools, explosiveness and motor to get to the quarterback, and he's an ideal fit for the 4-3 scheme that Zimmer loves to use.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our New York Giants Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New York Giants from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Giants:
One of the bigger spenders in free agency, the Giants extended Leonard Williams after designating him with the franchise tag and signed Kenny Golladay and Adoree Jackson to multiple-year contracts. If the top 10 plays out this way, the pick may come down to Florida's Kyle Pitts, Alabama's DeVonta Smith or Slater. All three offensive prospects are in the top 10 of my 2021 NFL Draft Big Board.
Slater's critics may point to his lack of size and length, but if you watch Slater's tape against (former) Ohio State (and current WFT) edge rusher Chase Young, it's easy to project his ability to hold his own outside against NFL-caliber edge rushers.
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Giants look at USC guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, but they just took three linemen in the first five rounds last year, including Andrew Thomas at No. 4 overall. And while the defense was stellar last season, getting defensive coordinator Patrick Graham a versatile, rangy, fast, instinctive linebacker like Owusu-Koramoah will help keep it that way.
The Giants made a big splash in free agency by signing receiver Kenny Golladay, eliminating one of their biggest needs. They also appear to be content rolling with their young offensive linemen. Parsons, one of the freakiest athletes in this draft, can be a game-changing player at the second level of the defense and give the pass rush a boost it so desperately needs.
Now that the Giants have officially signed their new WR1 in Kenny Golladay, I expect them to turn their attention to the offensive line. The Giants ranked 31st in the league in pressure rate allowed last year. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Slater may not be the biggest or strongest offensive lineman in the draft but he may be considered the safest because he could move inside. That's exactly what a team needs that is trying to protect what they believe to be their franchise QB.
The Giants are in need of another pass rushing threat to go opposite Leonard Williams. Paye is already an impressive run defender against the spread offense, which is becoming increasingly important in the NFL, and there are athletic indicators he will continue to improve as a pass rusher.
A 6-foot-4, 315-pound blue-collar guy considered among the safest picks in the draft, with the positional versatility Joe Judge craves, could be a plug-and-play to replace Kevin Zeitler.
The Giants spent big in free agency to help out third-year quarterback Daniel Jones, inking Kenny Golladay to a four-year, $72 million contract while adding speedster John Ross and tight end Kyle Rudolph on smaller deals. Following those moves, general manager Dave Gettleman can turn his attention to the defense. Parsons is a versatile playmaker who can line up off the ball and play the run on early downs. He also has blitzing and pass-rushing chops that would help on passing downs.
After inking Leonard Williams to a massive extension, the Giants got Daniel Jones a No. 1 receiver in Kenny Golladay, then brought in Adoree' Jackson to play cornerback opposite James Bradberry, among other depth deals. That frees up GM Dave Gettleman to address other needs, the biggest one being edge rusher. Gregory Rousseau opted out of the 2020 season but was one of the nation's best pass-rushers in 2019 with 15 1/2 sacks. He's quite raw technique-wise but has excellent athleticism, burst and length -- just like the last first-round pass-rusher the Giants took: Jason Pierre-Paul.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Miami Dolphins Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Miami Dolphins from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
What brilliant draft-board maneuvering by the Dolphins! After moving back (and then up) to No. 6, they get the guy they most likely would have targeted at No. 3 while banking future high picks in the process. Provided four quarterbacks kick off the draft, the Dolphins would be guaranteed one of Penei Sewell or Chase and would likely be happy in either scenario.
Opting out in 2020, Chase, the 2019 Biletnikoff Award recipient, would have been the WR1 had he been eligible to join last year's talent-laden crop of wide receivers. As a true sophomore and a 19-year-old, Chase dominated SEC competition to the tune of 84 receptions for 1,780 yards (21.2 Y/R) and 20 touchdowns. Not only did he lead the country in yardage and touchdowns, no receiver had more 15-yard receptions (46) or 25-yard receptions (25) than Chase in 2019.
Emmanuel Ogbah led the Dolphins with a career-high nine sacks, but they parted ways this offseason with Kyle Van Noy (six) and Shaq Lawson (four), whom they just added last offseason. In addition, Ogbah is entering a contract year.
Paye is a freakish athlete that topped Bruce Feldman's Freaks' List heading into last season. Given his rare physical traits for his size and his tenacity, Paye's best football is ahead of him and his upside is through the roof if he can put it all together.
I love Miami trading out of No. 3, picking up additional draft picks -- including a 2023 first-rounder -- and still getting one of the players it would have been looking at in its original slot. Will Fuller V is only on a one-year deal, and bringing in Smith to join him and DeVante Parker would give Tua Tagovailoa the weapons he needs in the passing game. Smith is an explosive and savvy route runner, and let's not forget that he was one of Tagovailoa's favorite targets in Tuscaloosa.
With DeVonta Smith off to help Tua Tagovailoa, we can now look to protection. Vera-Tucker has played tackle, but he's a better fit at guard in the NFL. Miami took 34 sacks last season, and Tagovailoa was blitzed at the fourth-highest rate in the league (35.3% of his dropbacks).
After trading down and then back up, the Dolphins have plenty of options. Miami is relying on a lot of young faces on the offensive line, so it wouldn't hurt to have a star quality tackle, especially if last year's first-round pick Austin Jackson doesn't pan out. Sewell is considered a can't-miss prospect with All-Pro potential.
Oweh didn't record a sack for the Nittany Lions in 2020, but there just aren't many 6-5, 257-pound athletes who can run a 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds, bench press 225 pounds 21 times and leap 39.5 inches. The Dolphins could use that kind of skill set to add some burst to a young defensive line.
In the last iteration of the mock, I had predicted the Dolphins would potentially trade down, which I got right. What I did not foresee coming was the Dolphins already trading back up to sixth overall, which makes me think they strongly believe a player they would have considered at No. 3 will still be here at No. 6.
PFF had the Dolphins ranked as the 20th best pass blocking and 30th ranked run blocking unit in the league last year so they could use an immediate upgrade there. Even though Sewell sat out all of last season, he has been long thought to be the best offensive tackle in this draft and has all the characteristics of a cornerstone tackle in the NFL.
Paye did not disappoint at his pro day and solidified his status as one of the first defensive lineman to be selected in this draft. Paye has the ability to create pressure as a traditional end or showed he has the speed to stand up and rush off the edge as displayed by his 4.52 40 time.
It's scary that a 10-win team with such a good coach and plenty of young talent also has four picks in the top 50. The Dolphins are desperate for wide receivers who can get open and it's clear that will be the target here (or they wouldn't have made this deal with the Eagles). Miami mimics Cincinnati by reuniting a top receiving prospect with his old college quarterback. A healthy Waddle is the most explosive all-around athlete at receiver in this class and his addition will only expedite former Crimson Tide teammate Tua Tagovailoa's development.
One way to alleviate the pressure off of a young quarterback is to give him a dynamic running back who is a three-down threat and capable of scoring every time the ball is in his hands. Etienne, a three-time All-American and the ACC's career rushing leader, fits the bill perfectly.
Dolphins could go with Etienne or Najee Harris. Etienne is more of a home-run hitter, whereas Harris is more of an all-around back. Both have good hands.
Tua Tagovailoa -- if he isn't part of a package for embattled Deshaun Watson -- can use an alpha dog No. 1 receiver, and injury-prone deep threat Will Fuller isn't it. Offensive tackle Penei Sewell is tempting, but Chris Grier and Brian Flores drafted three offensive linemen last year, including No. 1b pick LT Austin Jackson.
Shaq Lawson was traded to the Texans and Kyle Van Noy returned to the Patriots. Emmanuel Ogbah gets a three-cone drill monster to aid and assist the pass rush.
After trading out of the no. 3 spot, the Dolphins turned around and immediately moved back up to no. 6 via a trade with the Eagles. The latter move gives Miami a chance to land one of the top pass catchers in this draft, all of whom would still be available in this scenario. Chase is the top-ranked receiver on my board and brings a physical presence that would complement newly signed free agent Will Fuller's speed. He'd give Tua Tagovailoa a good chance to break out in his second NFL season.
After hitting a home run early in the draft by trading back and landing Ja'Marr Chase, the Dolphins hit another one here by picking one of my favorite players in this entire class. Owusu-Koramoah has an extraordinary skill set that should allow him to float between linebacker and safety duties, providing Brian Flores with a movable chess piece on defense. The Notre Dame star is a ferocious defender who plays with infectious intensity.
First, let's take a second to appreciate Miami's serendipity: Had Laremy Tunsil's Twitter not been hacked on draft night in 2016, he likely would not have fallen to the Dolphins, who in turn would not eventually have turned him into four first-round picks (the Texans' first-rounder last year, this pick and the 49ers' next two first-round picks) and a third-rounder. Now, onto this pick, which could be a "best player available" situation. In this case, they stay in state and add a dynamic playmaker for Tua Tagovailoa. Kyle Pitts was the top target in Florida's high-octane offense thanks to his rare mix of size, speed, body control, route-running ability and hands. He can line up anywhere on offense and immediately be a mismatch for whoever is covering him, and even though his listed position is tight end, he might be just as good as the actual receivers in this class.
After getting an offensive playmaker at the top of the draft, the Dolphins don't look too far to add some pass-rush help to an already stout defense. After transferring from UCLA, Jaelan Phillips had a breakout season in Miami with eight sacks and 15 1/2 tackles for loss. He uses his size, speed and power very well against both the run and the pass.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Indianapolis Colts Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Indianapolis Colts from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
With the top four offensive tackles -- five if you include Vera-Tucker -- off the board, the Colts address one of their other top needs here with Rousseau. Perhaps the Colts will bring back Justin Houston, who remains a free agent, but as productive as he's been (19 sacks over two seasons in Indy), he is also 32 years old.
Opting out of the 2020 season, Rousseau ranked second in college football in sacks in 2019. The majority of that production came while rushing from the interior, but Rousseau has unreal length and is a converted high school WR/S that is still learning the position.
The Colts lost Denico Autry to the division-rival Titans, and Justin Houston remains unsigned. That means DeForest Buckner is the only player with at least five sacks in 2020 set to return for 2021. Indy's defensive strength is a big part of its identity, and Paye has explosive speed off the edge. The production hasn't caught up to the ability just yet, but his ceiling is very high. Alternatively, the Colts could target a defensive back or maybe reach a little bit for a receiver.
Anthony Castonzo's retirement opened up a big hole at left tackle, and the Colts couldn't secure star Trent Williams in free agency to fill it. Fortunately for Indianapolis, this draft is deep at the position. Darrisaw was PFF's second-highest-graded tackle in the Power Five in 2020.
The Colts did make a few more moves this offseason which not only included re-signing T.Y. Hilton but also addressed their immediate left tackle need by signing Sam Tevi from the Chargers to a one-year deal. I still think the Colts go offensive tackle here and invest for the future since Carson Wentz was the most sacked QB in the league last year as he has a propensity to hold onto the ball too long so trying to give him the best protection possible will be paramount both now and long term.
I expected the Colts to be aggressive seeking their next quarterback in the trade market and they didn't disappoint. The next biggest priority is to continue building their pass rush. Ojulari was a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (the nation's top defensive player) with 8.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and 25 quarterback hurries. He's only scratching the surface of his talent.
The Colts didn't make many waves in free agency, as they were content to re-up running back Marlon Mack and cornerback Xavier Rhodes. But they could make a big splash in the draft by selecting Oweh. The Penn State star didn't put up big numbers in 2020, but brings sky-high potential as both a run stopper and a pass rusher. With elite athleticism and prototypical size, he could be an immediate difference-maker in Indianapolis.
After securing their quarterback situation by trading for Carson Wentz, the Colts could find another cornerback to pair with Xavier Rhodes. Eric Stokes is a long press corner with the speed to stay in lockstep with any receiver.
