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Indianapolis Colts Seven-Round Pre-Combine Mock Draft

By Kyle Nishida

Oct 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano prior to the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano prior to the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indianapolis Colts
Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad safety Lorenzo Jerome of Saint Francis (PA) (22) returns an interception against South squad fullback Freddie Stevenson of Florida State (43) and running back Jamaal Williams of Brigham Young (21) during the fourth quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4: Lorenzo Jerome, SS, St. Francis (PA) (6 feet, 195 pounds)

The Colts have a need at safety for numerous reasons. They can pick up a small college star in Lorenzo Jerome with their fourth round compensatory pick.

Jerome finished his collegiate career with 252 total tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 18 interceptions (leading all FCS players–including 2 returned for touchdowns), 47 passes defensed, 5.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 42 games.

Jerome also has kick returning capabilities. He returned 45 kick returns for 1,225 total return yards (27.2 avg. yards per return) and three touchdowns during his 4-year collegiate career.

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Veteran safety Mike Adams is a free agent this offseason. Meanwhile, safety T.J. Green had a rocky rookie season. Specifically, he was rated the worst safety in 2016 by Pro Football Focus. Also, standout safety Clayton Geathers could be moving to inside linebacker in the near future.

There is a clear need for a safety this offseason. With that in mind, it makes sense for the Colts to pick up a speed defensive back. Even if he does not start immediately he can have an impact on special teams.

The Colts need a punt and kick returner outside of Quan Bray. Running back Jordan Todman is a free agent, and it is unclear whether he wants to come back or not. Jerome could slid into the kick returning spot and let Bray focus on punt returning.

Indianapolis has already shown some interest in Jerome. They met with the St. Francis star during the Senior Bowl. This meeting will not be the ultimate reason why they draft him, but it is telling that they have some interest in him this early in the draft process.

There are some potential alternatives at safety for Jerome. Miami’s Rayshawn Jenkins, Boston College’s John Johnson and NC State’s Josh Jones could all be available too.

Even though they addressed the safety position by taking Jerome, they could certainly double up with their fifth round pick.

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