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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen top first round

By Brad Weiss

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 19: USC (14) Sam Darnold (QB) passes the ball during an NCAA football game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins on November 19, 2016, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. USC defeated UCLA 36-14. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 19: USC (14) Sam Darnold (QB) passes the ball during an NCAA football game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins on November 19, 2016, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. USC defeated UCLA 36-14. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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October 15, 2016: Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) during the NCAA football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Stanford Cardinals at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
October 15, 2016: Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) during the NCAA football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Stanford Cardinals at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Mike McGlinchey

Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame

For many years, the Indianapolis Colts were the class of the AFC South. While other teams in the division did get better, it seemed like the Colts would always be the top dog in the division. However, the tides have changed in the division, and with Andrew Luck out for at least Week 1, it looks like the Colts may find themselves on the outside looking in come playoff time.

The issue with Luck has been his health, as he has really been beaten up since at least the 2015 season. He had surgery to repair his throwing shoulder this offseason, and while he was expected to be back in time for the regular season, it appears Scott Tolzien will be under center Week 1. The Colts need to make protecting Luck a priority if they want to extend his career, so going offensive tackle in round one may be the play.

Luckily for Colts fans, there are some legitimate left tackles in the 2018 NFL Draft class. One such player is Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame, who might have been a first round selection if he decided to come out last year. He stayed for his senior season, and in a draft class filled with offensive line talent, he is one of the best of the bunch.

The thing about McGlinchey is that he has the feet to stay at left tackle at the next level. If the Colts do not shore up the offensive line via the draft they are just asking for Luck to get harassed the way he has the last few seasons. He still has a ton of good football left in him, but without the right guys in front of him, his career may not become what it should when it is all said and done.

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