Indianapolis Colts Select Jack Mewhort in the NFL Draft

Jan 3, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive linesman Jack Mewhort (74) lines up against Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) during their game in the 2014 Orange Bowl college football game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts have selected Ohio State offensive lineman Jack Mewhort with the 59th pick in the NFL Draft.

The Colts had to find a way to protect the quarterback, and this selection fits that need. Indy has a lot of need at other positions as well (like safety and wide receiver) and passed up some solid players to take Mewhort.

He was a three-year starter at Ohio State and played offensive tackle while there. He doesn’t have the lateral quickness to play that position in the NFL and the Colts are set at OT. He will move inside to play guard, which likely means that the team views either Khaled Holmes or Hugh Thornton, both picks from last year, as a bust.

Mewhort is a much better run blocker than he is at passing. He likes to engage and punish his man and makes up for his physical limitation with toughness and never gives up on a play. Mewhort also has great awareness and is never fooled by a delay or stunt. He was very effective at picking up blitzes as well.

Mewhort has played all the positions across the offensive line and was an All-American center in high school. He could be the team’s long term answer at the position if he pans out.

The immediate reactions were not good:

He was rated the ninth best offensive tackle in the draft but his move to the inside of the line could change that rating. The Colts may have reached on this pick, but if he turns out to be a long term answer at center it won’t matter. As long as he can help Andrew Luck take fewer hits, Colts fans should be happy.

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