What was once arguably their biggest need entering the offseason is now a strength as the Indianapolis Colts bolstered their interior defensive line during free agency. What does that mean for the 2020 NFL draft?
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Starters: DeForest Buckner (three-tech), Grover Stewart (one-tech)
Backups: Denico Autry, Sheldon Day, Tyquan Lewis
Level of need: Low
Cap investment: $34.3 million (3rd in NFL)
Quick review
The Colts added Buckner via trade and Day through free agency, both of which will bolster their respective spots along the interior. Now, the Colts don’t have to spend an early pick on the interior defensive line unless they want to but knowing Chris Ballard, that’s always a possibility.
Draft preview
Class overview: There are a lot of strong prospects in this class for the Colts and while there will be question marks with many of them, Ballard and Co. will be able to find value throughout the draft if they truly feel like adding to the room.
Best fit: Ross Blacklock, TCU
It would be a surprise to see the Colts use one of their second-round picks on an interior defensive lineman, but Blacklock is a perfect fit for the Colts’ one-gap front. He has the strength and length to be a stout run defender but also possesses the quickness and burst to be an effective pass rusher from the three-technique. Had the Colts not added Buckner and Day, Blacklock would be a favorite target for Indy.
Prospect to avoid: Raekwon Davis, Alabama
There is a lot to like about Davis from an upside standpoint given his size (6’6, 311) and length (33.88″), but there are too many concerns to target him at his projected draft spot in Round 3. Davis doesn’t appear to be all that explosive off the snap and doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher. There are also some questions about his motor, which could automatically rule him out for the Colts. He’s raw, and there is potential given his size. But there are too many question marks to consider him on Day 2 with so many needs elsewhere.
Sleeper prospect: McTelvin Agim, Arkansas
If the Colts still wanted to add to the interior in the draft but wanted to wait until Day 3, Agim might be their guy. With an intriguing blend of size and athleticism, Agim would work mostly at the three-technique but has the length to work at the one-technique as well. He would give Tyquan Lewis a run for his roster spot while having the upside to be a strong pass rusher from the interior.
Other prospects: Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma | Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M | Jason Strowbridge, North Carolina | Raequan Williams, Michigan State
Picks most likely used on an IDL: Nos. 122, 160, 193, 197
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