How the Indianapolis Colts will go about their first two picks in the 2020 NFL draft will be a mystery over the next week as the offseason’s biggest event quickly arrives.
As analysts try to predict what will happen, Mel Kiper of ESPN has the Colts using the Nos. 34 and 44 picks to grab a potential WR1 in the offense and a big-armed quarterback prospect to sit behind Philip Rivers.
Here are the results of his latest mock draft for ESPN.
34. Indianapolis Colts (from WSH)
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
The Colts traded out of Round 1 when they added defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the 49ers, and the loss of that pick stings less because they have Washington’s second-rounder, which comes from the Redskins trading back into Round 1 last year (to add pass-rusher Montez Sweat). Injuries limited top wideout T.Y. Hilton to just 45 catches, and 2019 second-round pick Parris Campbell never got going. Mims is a freaky athlete who will catch a few deep balls from Philip Rivers.
If the Colts actually have a chance to draft Mims, that would be an amazing addition to a wide receiver corps that needs top-end talent. Mims fits perfectly as an X-receiver who can win vertically, and his athleticism shows there is room to grow with his route running.
With their second pick in the second round, the Colts grabbed a potential future quarterback in Washington’s Jacob Eason.
44. Indianapolis Colts
Jacob Eason, QB, Washington | Highlights
Surprised? Don’t be. Philip Rivers is a stopgap for a team trying to get back to the playoffs, and Jacoby Brissett is under contract only through the 2020 season. Eason, who has a massive arm and a 6-foot-6 frame, could be the perfect understudy for Rivers. Eason isn’t ready to play immediately, so he needs a coaching staff that will be patient.
Eason is a developmental prospect under center. He has plenty of arm talent to be intriguing, and his frame is prototypical. But Eason has struggled with pressure and decision making when under pressure. He also needs to better his footwork in the pocket when avoiding the rush.
All those things can be worked on during his rookie season under Rivers and head coach Frank Reich, but he would be a project for the Colts.
The draft is almost a week away and while it will be done in a format that hasn’t been seen before, the Colts have some big moves to make in Round 2 once the event gets underway.