Indianapolis Colts: Five Late Round Draft Options
By Kyle Nishida
OLB Eric Striker – Oklahoma
Striker was a pass rush specialist for the Sooners. He has a good amount and works hard on every single down. The one issue with Striker is he lacks size. With only a 5-11, 227-pound frame, NFL teams do not know if he is an every-down player. However, his talent level suggests he could be a fourth or fifth round pick.
As a three-year starter for the Sooners, Striker racked up 22.5 sacks and 45 tackles for loss. He was named first-team All-Big 12 honors in his junior and senior seasons. However, it hard for him to overlook his lack of size.
Obviously, scouts are having issues projecting where he will play in the NFL because of his lack of size. As a result, his draft stock is suffering. His overall skill and college experience is keeping helping him, but his lack of size is preventing his stock from rising above a fourth round pick in scouts’ eyes.
Scouts love how Striker uses his speed to beat defenders. He gets good jumps off the snap and can catches a lot offensive tackles off-balance. He uses his hand effectively to prevent offensive linemen from grabbing a hold of him. Also, on tape, he looks very mobile when he drops back into pass coverage.
The Indianapolis Colts would love to have a player like Striker. They desperately need a pass rusher and preferably, one with a lot speed. Well, Striker certainly fits that description. The Colts would use him as a situational player right away if they drafted him. They can solely utilize his pass rushing skills while trying to find a permanent position for him.
If the Indianapolis Colts are interested in Striker, their best chance at taking him will be in the fourth round. Again, Striker has NFL talent despite his size. Most likely, other suitors will be looking at Striker in the fourth round. The Colts should entertain the idea of taking him in this round.
Next: OG Joe Thuney