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Indianapolis Colts: Five Pass Rushing Targets in 2016 NFL Draft

By Kyle Nishida

Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indianapolis Colts
Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Eastern Kentucky defensive lineman Noah Spence speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Noah Spence | Eastern Kentucky

Many scouts believe Spence is the best pass rusher in the 2016 NFL draft. Scouts think he can be a sack machine as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. The Indianapolis Colts would use him as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

The one issue about Spence has to do with his past off-the-field issues. He failed two drug tests at Ohio State, which resulted in him getting kicked off the team and transferring to Eastern Kentucky. Most NFL franchises do not want to deal with a player who has character issues. However, Spence has a lot of talent, which is why he is projected as a first round pick.

Spence did not have the best NFL Combine. However, it was nice to see his willingness to participate in most of the events. Colts’ general manager Ryan Grigson said he was looking for competitors at the combine, and Spence certainly played that role at the combine.

NFL Combine Results:

  • 40-yard Dash: 4.80 seconds
  • Bench Press: 25 reps
  • Vertical Jump 35.0 inches
  • Broad Jump: 121.0 inches
  • 3-Cone Drill: 7.21
  • 20-yard Shuttle: 4.35 seconds

Results Provided By NFL.com’s Draft Tracker

In two seasons with the Buckeyes, Spence’s strength and physicality helped him earn 8.5 sacks (7.5 in his final season). In the one season he played at Eastern Kentucky, he accumulated 11.5 sacks, 63 tackles and three forced fumbles. Given his college success, Spence has shown he has the talent to be an effective pass rusher in the NFL.

The Colts have privately met with Spence. Most likely, this meeting was to address his off-the-field concerns. If the Colts think Spence has cleaned up his act, then is definitely worth the 18th overall pick. If not, the Colts should look elsewhere.

Next: DE/OLB Kamalei Correa

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