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Indianapolis Colts: 2016 7-round NFL mock draft

By John Buhler

Jan 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano on the sidelines against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano on the sidelines against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) and Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the game in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) and Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the game in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

With their first pick of the 2016 NFL Draft coming at No. 18 in the first round, the Colts should look to one of two positions with that draft selection: offensive tackle or defensive end.

While Indianapolis could very easily go with Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah at No. 18, it may be in the Colts’ best interest to go with an offensive tackle prospect in Michigan State’s Jack Conklin to help protect franchise quarterback Luck going forward.

While Luck is still the most gifted passer in the AFC South, the Colts cannot afford to lose their best player to injury anymore. Without Luck, Indianapolis is probably the third best team in their bad division behind the Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively.

By drafting the redshirt junior out of East Lansing, the Colts will be getting an All-American at left tackle in Conklin, starting 40 games at the position for Mark Dantonio’s Spartans from 2013 on. The Colts may like his wide base and technical hands at either tackle spot for the foreseeable future.

Though Conklin may not have elite agility, he rarely gets beat head-on. If Conklin can maintain a clean bill of health as he embarks on his NFL career, the Colts could have found a great pass protector to put in front of Luck for the next 10 years in Conklin out of Michigan State.

Next: 48. Karl Joseph, Safety, West Virginia

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