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Indianapolis Colts: McShay, Kiper Predict Team’s First Three Picks

By Kyle Nishida

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker on the bench against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker on the bench against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. released a joint mock draft and made some interesting picks for the Indianapolis Colts.

Over the past couple of days, McShay and Kiper released their own individual first round mock draft. Coincidentally, both analysts had the Indianapolis Colts taking offensive tackle Taylor Decker with the 18th overall pick. This sentiment did not change when the two ESPN analyst released their joint three-round mock draft Friday.

In this joint mock draft, the two analysts alternated picks and selected the players they would have selected if they were the general manager of the team picking. Oddly enough, McShay ended up making all three of the Colts’ picks in this mock draft. However, his picks were certainly influenced by whatever selections Kiper was making before him.

Todd McShay’s Picks

Round 1, 18th Overall: OT Taylor Decker

Round 2, 48th Overall: TE Austin Hooper

Round 3, 82nd Overall: DE Adam Gotsis

The first round selection is not a surprise. Again, McShay already had Decker going to the Colts in his latest individual mock draft. Also, Decker has been linked to the Colts by other analysts throughout the entire draft process.

"He’s the perfect fit for a team in dire need of a right tackle who can keep Andrew Luck‘s jersey clean. Decker has the skill set to be a solid NFL starter for the next decade."

Clearly, Decker would fit along the right side of the Colts’ offensive line. However, the Colts already have Joe Reitz and Denzelle Good at right tackle so they could move Decker to right guard if they draft him. While he was primarily a tackle in college, Decker is versatile enough to move inside to guard.

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The next two picks of tight end Austin Hooper and defensive end Adam Gotsis are a bit more perplexing. In particular, the Hooper pick does not make a lot of sense. Here is what McShay had to say about Hooper.

"After addressing our massive hole at right tackle in Round 1, it makes sense to grab a TE with good size and potential. Hooper has the raw tools to out-play this draft slot."

While Hooper would be a nice pick, the Colts are not looking for a tight end early in the draft because they already have Dwayne Allen and Jack Doyle on contract.

Hooper’s selection would fall in line with Ryan Grigson’s best player available strategy because Hooper’s value would exceed his second round “draft slot.” However, the Colts should be greedy with their second round pick and find a player of similar value who addresses one of their needs.

Finally, McShay’s third round pick for the Indianapolis Colts was Adam Gotsis. This a very vague and short blurb about why Gotsis fits with the Colts.

"One of the most underrated players in this class, Gotsis shows terrific toughness on tape and fills a need for us at defensive end."

Again, this is another questionable pick. The Indianapolis Colts are not desperate for defensive linemen. Last season, the defensive line might have been their best defensive unit. It is hard to see what McShay’s intentions are with this pick. Obviously, Gotsis would help their defense, but he is not a real pass rushing threat, which is the type of player the Colts badly need.

Next: Indianapolis Colts: Five Late Round Draft Options

Overall, Taylor Decker in the first round would be a plausible selection for the Indianapolis Colts. However, the following two picks of Austin Hooper and Adam Gotsis would be tough sells. The Colts want to draft the best player available, but they cannot simply ignore their top needs early in the draft. It will be interesting to what the Colts do when the draft begins on April 28th.

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