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Three Indianapolis Colts Listed as Top 100 Rookies of 2016

By Kyle Nishida

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech offensive lineman Le'Raven Clark speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech offensive lineman Le'Raven Clark 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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NFL.com’s Chase Goodbread projected who the top 100 rookies will be in 2016, and three Indianapolis Colts made his list.

The Colts’ rookies who made his list were center Ryan Kelly, safety T.J. Green and offensive tackle Le’Raven Clark. These rookies were the Colts’ first three selections in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Goodbread based his projections on which rookies he felt would the biggest impact in 2016. Obviously, he started with rookie with Tajae Sharpe at No. 100 and worked his way to his No. 1 rookie Jared Goff.

Kelly, who was ranked 26th overall, was the highest rated Colts’ rookie. Here is what Goodbread had to say about Kelly.

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"“Kelly comes in and starts right away, bringing with him three years of experience making line calls and checks in Alabama’s pro-style offense.”"

There is no question Kelly should be on this list. The argument could be made that Kelly should be ranked higher because he will start right away for the Indianapolis Colts. In order to be successful, he needs to fully understand offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski‘s playbook.

If the Colts protect Andrew Luck better and open up more holes for Frank Gore, a lot of the credit will have to go towards Kelly. As a center, he will be in charge of dissecting every defensive front and audibling to the correct protection schemes.

The next Colts’ rookie to appear on Goodbread’s list was Le’Raven Clark, the Colts’ third round pick. Clark was ranked 73rd overall. This is what Goodbread had to say about him.

"“The Colts focused heavily on the offensive line in the draft, and while Clark’s technique needs work, don’t be surprised if he is the starting right tackle by year’s end, if not much sooner.”"

Goodbread is assuming Clark will eventually start at right tackle for the Colts in 2016. In reality, the Colts hope they will not have to start him this season. Joe Reitz and Denzelle Good were good enough starters last year and will compete for the starting right tackle spot this summer.

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Technically, Clark is a project. At Texas Tech, he spent most of his time pass protecting and playing from a two-point stance. He needs to improve his run blocking and needs to learn how to play from a three-point stance. He certainly has the potential to start if he learns these skills quickly, but the Colts’ do not want to rush him into a starting role.

Finally, T.J. Green, the Colts’ second round pick, was the last Colt to appear in the rankings at 75th overall.

"“Even if Green doesn’t win a starting job right away, he can figure into sub packages while he vies for a bigger role.”"

Goodbread is right. Green is not projected to be a starter at either safety position for the Indianapolis Colts. Mike Adams and Clayton Geathers currently occupy those spots. However, the Colts will find ways to get Green onto the field and in positions where he can succeed.

Last season, the Colts used Geathers in sub packages; like in dime defensive formations. This strategy worked well for Geathers last year as he gained a lot of experience that helped prepare him to be a starter for this season. The Colts will probably use a similar strategy with Green.

Next: Two Colts Make Mel Kiper’s Undrafted Watch List

It is good to see the Colts’ first three picks on Goodbread’s list. It gives the Indianapolis Colts some assurance that they selected solid players in the draft. It will be interesting to see how much progress these rookies will make the summer.

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