2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Colts could take in Round 1

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 02: Indianapolis Colts Offensive Guard Quenton Nelson (56) lines up for a play during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 2, 2018 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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BERKELEY, CA – OCTOBER 27: Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies looks on between plays against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

4. Byron Murphy

Baker seems to have moved slightly ahead of Murphy on most team’s boards, but the Washington corner would be a terrific consolation prize for the Colts. His ability to force turnovers in single coverage makes him an ideal fit for Indianapolis’ defensive scheme.

Critics of Murphy point to his lack of size and elite athleticism as a reason why he should be selected after Greedy Williams, Baker and others. However, when you flip on tape of Murphy you see a defensive back who deserves to be right there with those SEC corners.

At the very least, Murphy has the talent to step right in and start right away as the team’s nickel corner. It’s possible Pierre Desir might be ticketed for that spot, but that shouldn’t stop the Colts from taking Murphy. The former Washington star is just as capable of handling work on the outside.

There’s no guarantee that Murphy is going to last this long, but if he does, he represents a really good option for the Colts. He might not have the high ceiling that some players drafted in this range possess, but Murphy has a much higher floor.

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