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NFL mock draft: Don’t mess with Texas

By Brad Weiss

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on after leasing 23-20 to the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on after leasing 23-20 to the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Adrian Peterson

Running Back, Palestine, Texas

The Indianapolis Colts missed out on the playoffs once again in 2017, and quarterback Andrew Luck is starting to get impatient. After the season, veteran running back Frank Gore decided to hang up his cleats, clearing the way for guys like Marlon Mack and Robert Turpin to take over duties. However, the Colts decided to bring in another veteran for the 2018 campaign, and it is a former Pro Bowler who had a breakout season in New Orleans in 2017.

Adrian Peterson is definitely old for a running back in the NFL, in fact, he is old for any position at this point. However, the move to the Bayou definitely helped him in 2017, as he showed flashes of his old self on plenty of occasions. The Colts saw enough of him last season to warrant them picking him at No. 16, even if it is just to hold the position until Mack is ready to take over.

The addition of Peterson could mean the Colts head back to the playoffs in 2018, as they have now missed out on the postseason for three straight seasons. Luck is still one of the best quarterbacks in the game, and with some solid targets on the outside, he had another incredible season in 2017. The issue was the team struggled to run the ball, which once again led to him taking way too many hits.

During the 2017 offseason, the Colts did a nice job bringing in talented player on both sides of the ball, adding youth to their roster. Peterson is a gutsy pick at No. 16, but if he can rush for at least 900 yards in 2018, the Colts should be balanced enough on offense to take a serious crack at an AFC South title.

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