Indianapolis Colts 7-round mock draft

By Randy Gurzi | Dec 21, 2015

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Detailed view of an Indianapolis Colts helmet on the sidelines against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh Ferguson (6) runs with the ball during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Soldier Field. Northwestern won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4. Josh Ferguson, RB, Illinois

Many fans may be upset about waiting until round four to get a running back, but outside a few game-changers like Todd Gurley in 2015, the drop off between a second and fourth round selection at running back isn’t that great. Players like Jeremy Langford for the Chicago Bears, round 4, and Jay Ajayi of the Miami Dolphins, round 5, have both looked more than capable in their limited time. That’s without even mentioning undrafted rookie Thomas Rawls effectiveness for the Seattle Seahawks before he broke his ankle.

With there being much larger holes addressed in rounds one through three, the Colts are able to turn their attention to the offensive backfield here by grabbing Josh Ferguson out of Illinois. The 5’10” 200-pound runner has never recorded a 1,000 yard season, with 779 yards in 2013 being his best statistical season.

Injuries slowed him down during his senior season, and without his running the fighting Illini looked terrible trying to carry the rock. They gained only 138 yards total in the three games Ferguson was rehabbing a shoulder injury. Still in just nine games the back is above the 700-yard mark with at least an average of five yards per carry for the third straight season.

Perhaps the best thing about grabbing Ferguson would be that Indy will finally have someone with fresh legs. Frank Gore will be 33-years old entering next season and Ahmad Bradshaw will be 30. It’s time to turn the page on at least one of those running backs, most likely Bradshaw.

If they do decide to keep Gore, Ferguson would be an excellent third-down option as he has excelled in the passing game in college. He has recorded 168 receptions for 1,507 yards and eight touchdowns in his career, including back-to-back 50 reception seasons in 2013 and 2014.

Next: Round 5

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