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NFL mock draft 2017: Quarterbacks dominate first round

By Matt Verderame

Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls defensive lineman Haason Reddick (58) dives to make a tackle on Memphis Tigers wide receiver Jae’lon Oglesby (19) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls defensive lineman Haason Reddick (58) dives to make a tackle on Memphis Tigers wide receiver Jae’lon Oglesby (19) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Haason Reddick

Outside linebacker, Temple Owls

After enduring the Ryan Grigson era (and really, it is taking everything I have not to call it the Ryan Grigson Error), Colts fans have some real hope when entering the draft. With Chris Ballard at the helm this offseason. Indianapolis has made some measured, quality moves to upgrade the defense. In free agency, Ballard nabbed Johnathan Hankins and Sean Spence to provide some punch in the front seven. However, there is still a bevy of work to be done here, and Ballard knows it. With many options on the board, the most complete player is Haason Reddick, who is a nice fit off the edge for Indianapolis.

Indianapolis shouldn’t address its running back situation this early, as some have suggested. The class is flush with talent at that position, and going that route with such glaring defensive needs would be a mistake at this juncture. Reddick would give the Colts a legitimate building block in the front seven to go with Hankins, something this franchise has lacked since the heyday of Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney. The Colts play in a very winnable division, meaning a few impact players could be the difference between another 7-9 campaign and hosting a playoff game.

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