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2018 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts 7 round mock draft

By Joe Romano

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 23: Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens on December 23, 2017, at M
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 23: Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens on December 23, 2017, at M /
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 01: UCF Knights defensive back Mike Hughes (19) returns a kick during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl football game of the UCF Knights v Auburn Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The UCF Knights won the game 34-27. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 01: UCF Knights defensive back Mike Hughes (19) returns a kick during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl football game of the UCF Knights v Auburn Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The UCF Knights won the game 34-27. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Round 3 – Pick 67

Mike Hughes, CB, UCF

Here is another pick that may actually surprise some to see he is left on the board. The Colts were one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL a year ago. They already addressed part of that with the selection of Chubb at three. Now the focus can shift to a young, struggling secondary. Enter Mike Hughes out of “National Champion” UCF.

It was shocking to see Hughes here but with no consensus at the top of the corner class, the group could see quality players slide. That is what Hughes is, a solid player who locked down opponents all year at UCF.

Hughes measures in under 6-feet and 200 pounds, but those numbers do not indicate who he is as a player. Once the pads are on he is as physical a corner that you will find in this class. He has the rare blend of physicality and speed that can make him a special corner at the next level.

One issue that may hurt him is his aggressiveness. Corners need to play with an edge, especially in the NFL with the rules favoring the offense. What they cannot be is undisciplined. The right coach will be able to control his aggression and let his physical traits shine.

Partnering Hughes with last year’s rookie Quincy Wilson gives the Colts two strong, young corners in their secondary. Add last year’s top pick Malik Hooker and the makings of a solid unit is in place. The Colts would be lucky to see a player like this slip into their lap, though it is doubtful.

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