NFL Draft 2019: Indianapolis Colts full NFL mock draft

By Joe Romano | Mar 20, 2019

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass in the snow warming up before an AFC Divisional Round playoff game game between the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs on January 12, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 03: Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after sacking Jeremy Johnson #6 of the Auburn Tigers (not pictured) during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Round 1 – Pick 26

Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

Picking towards the bottom of the first round and top of the second affords the Colts plenty of opportunity to play the board. In this mock draft without trades, it means they can add two very talented players to their roster. Indianapolis could go in many directions with their first-round pick. Positions that stand out as needs are defensive tackle, corner, safety or wide receiver. Those happen to be four of the deeper groups in the draft. With their glut of picks, expect Ballard to be actively moving around to land their guys.

In a draft without trades, Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins fits the narrative of best player available while also filling a need for the team. Wilkins is an elite defensive tackle prospect. He only falls in this mock drafts because of the immense talent of players like Quinnen Williams and Ed Oliver earlier in the round. While at Clemson, Wilkins played all over the defensive front. For the NFL he projects as a disruptive three-technique. His ability to play with leverage and in shooting gaps make him a nightmare for interior offensive lineman.

Indianapolis spent last year’s draft loading up on the outside with Tyquan Lewis and Kemoko Turay. The pick of Wilkins allows them to continue to add to that unit up front. He is the type of player that will make all other defensive lineman and linebacker better. His ability to generate pass rush from the interior is a critical element for NFL defenses and something the Colts lack with guys like Margus Hunt, Denico Autry and Hassan Ridgeway playing the defensive tackle spots.

The other options for the Colts were corner DeAndre Baker, receiver N’Keal Harry and safety Nasir Adderley. For as good as those three players are, Wilkins is an immediate impact starter and is a top-15 player on some boards. That is too good a value at a position of need for Ballard to pass up.

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