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Indianapolis Colts: Is Kamalei Correa Their 2nd Round Pick?

By Kyle Nishida

Oct 10, 2015; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State quarterback Nick Stevens (left) is sacked by Boise State Broncos defensive lineman Kamalei Correa (8) during the college football game at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan via USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State quarterback Nick Stevens (left) is sacked by Boise State Broncos defensive lineman Kamalei Correa (8) during the college football game at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan via USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indianapolis Colts have their eyes on many prospects outside of the first round like Kamalei Correa, who could be available in the second.

Correa left Boise State University with one year of eligibility left, but it is pretty obvious he is ready for professional football. In three seasons with the Broncos, he accumulated 107 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 20 sacks and four forced fumbles. His ability to rush the passer is one of the main reasons why scouts think he is an early round pick.

Correa is not a strong first round prospect because he will have to switch positions in the NFL. Most coaches want to move him from a defensive end to an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. The risk of him not making the full transition is why some do not have him as a first round pick.

However, it is pretty clear Correa has the athleticism needed to make the position change with relative ease. His athleticism was evident during his performances at the NFL Scouting Combine and at Boise State’s pro day.

Combine & Pro Day Results Provided by NFL.com’s Draft Tracker

Scouts constantly marvel over Correa’s “quick-twitch athleticism.” However, while his explosiveness does give him an advantage over opposing offensive linemen, scouts think he relies on it too much.

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According to NFL.com, Correa’s “hand usage is inconsistent and unrefined.” By using his hands better, Correa would prevent offensive linemen from grabbing him. He also has a tendency to overrun tackles because he does not slow down when approaching ball carriers.

Correa is still a solid prospect though because all of his flaws are fixable, and his upside is overwhelmingly high. For this reason, the Indianapolis Colts are very interested in him and have already formally met with him according to the Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder.

Indianapolis Colts: Kamalei Correa
Dec 23, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive lineman Kamalei Correa (8) poses with the most valuable defensive player trophy after 55-7 victory over the Northern Illinois Huskies in the 2015 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

A concern Indianapolis Colts’ fans have is Correa reminds them of the Colts’ 2013 first round pick Bjoern Werner, who the Colts released in March. While the concern is understandable, it does not make much sense.

The one thing that plague Werner with the Indianapolis Colts was his lack of explosiveness. Werner usually waited for opponents’ mistakes in college. This habit did not translate well to the next level because pro players do not make a lot of mistakes. Also, Werner was projected to perform better in a 4-3 defense.

Meanwhile, Correa is the complete opposite of Werner. He aggressively attacks opposing offensive linemen. Rather than waiting on opponents to make mistakes, he uses his explosiveness to force opponents into committing mistakes. Also, Correa is projected to fit in a 3-4 defense.

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Scouts believe Correa could be selected anywhere from late in the first round to early in the third round. However, Correa’s upside makes him a clear-cut second round pick. If the Indianapolis Colts can take him with the 48th overall pick, they need to jump on the opportunity.

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