Philip Rivers will start at quarterback for the Colts next season, but will Indianapolis look to select his long-term replacement in the 2020 NFL Draft?
After bringing Philip Rivers and his family (subsequently increasing attendance by 50 percent), the Indianapolis Colts are all in on the 2020 NFL season. The team’s trade with San Francisco for DeForest Buckner leaves them without a first pick but two picks at the top of round two could put them within striking distance for a quarterback of the future.
How will GM Chris Ballard approach the club’s quarterback situation after admirably handling year one of the post-Andrew Luck era? It’s time to find out with the Colts seven-round mock draft.
The Colts don’t have a quarterback on the payroll past next season so it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that one will be a consideration early in this draft. Utah State’s Jordan Love is arguably the draft’s most polarizing quarterback prospect but it’s hard to imagine a better fit for his long-term potential than going to Indianapolis.
The signing of Philip Rivers to a one-year deal was clearly meant to be a stop-gap fix for the Colts offense but they have clearly been plotting as to who will lead the franchise moving forward. There is no denying Love’s immense physical gifts and arm talent. It’s why so many have comped him to Patrick Mahomes during the draft process. Frank Reich has proven his ability to work with and develop quarterbacks, and I’m sure he’d love to get a moldable talent like Love into the Colts’ facility.
There are a lot of kinks to work out in Love’s game, namely his penchant for turnovers, but keep in mind that the team’s new starting quarterback happened to throw 20 interceptions of his own last season for the Chargers. It may take a trade up into the back half of round one to get it done but in the end, I think Jordan Love is the guy the Colts have their eye on at quarterback.
Auburn’s Prince Tega Wanogho hasn’t been playing football for long but his aw ability and size make him one of the most coveted developmental offensive tackles in this class.
At 6-foot-5, 308 pounds, Tega Wonhogo is plenty athletic and big enough to stick on the left side in the NFL. He was a mainstay at left tackle in the past three seasons for Auburn and unfortunately missed the Senior Bowl in January due to injury.
His basketball and soccer background show up in his swift footwork despite lacking many of the refined blocking techniques that will define his ability to stick at the pro level. His unique backstory make him one of those guys you can’t help but root for and there will be plenty of teams that will consider selecting him near the top of the second round.
Per OTC, Anthony Castonzo’s two-year deal allows Indy the opportunity to cut ties after next season without accruing any dead money. Tega Wonhogo would represent a nice insurance policy as the team’s coaching staff helps to further his development.