Here is Where the Colts Will Pick in the First Round of the NFL Draft

The Indianapolis Colts will officially pick at the 26th spot in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. This became official when the New Orleans Saints defeated the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday afternoon, giving the Eagles the 25th pick over the Colts based on overall record (Colts finished 10-6, Eagles finished 9-7).

This is the lowest draft spot since 2014 when the Colts made the AFC Championship Game and were defeated by the New England Patriots in a game that is now famous for the whole “deflategate” scandal.

This draft class is exceptionally deep in defensive talent, especially the defensive line – which is a good thing for GM Chris Ballard and the Colts. Even though they pick at the tail end of the first round, it is likely the Colts could land a quality defensive lineman, which is likely the team’s biggest need. Here are a few prospects Indianapolis could land at #26:

Jachai Polite, DE Florida

Jachai Polite had a huge break out year for the Gators this season. The Colts desperately need pass rush help, and a player like Polite, who finished fourth overall in pass rush grade in the nation, could be a massive boost at the position.

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Dre’mont Jones, DT Ohio State

Although Denico Autry had a fantastic year at his defensive tackle position, the overall depth of interior defensive lineman is thin. Interior pass rushers are very hard to stumble upon in this league, and Jones could provide that much-needed presence on the defensive line the Colts were missing all season long.

Jerry Tillery, DT Notre Dame

Last time the Colts took a member of the Fighting Irish in the first round, it worked out pretty well. Jerry Tillery is another one of those rare interior pass rushers, and landing him at 26 would be a steal. Tillery had the best pass rush grade of any inside rusher in 2018, and like Jones, would be an impact player day one with the Colts.

Although defensive line is the Colts’ biggest need, could Ballard surprise us and take a different position? Maybe a weapon for Andrew Luck?

Marquis ‘Hollywood’ Brown, WR Oklahoma

The most electric player in college football last season was none other than Hollywood Brown. Brown’s speed and play-making after the catch make him a tempting pick in the first round. Andrew Luck really does need a big time receiver not named T.Y. Hilton, and Brown could boost the pass game massively. I would compare Marquis Brown to a cross between Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham Jr. It would be pretty hard to pass him up if he is available at 26.

Who knows? Maybe the Colts completely trade out of the first round and acquire some more day two picks. Or maybe they trade up and grab a highly coveted prospect. That is the fun of the draft – nobody knows what will happen, and anything can happen!