5 players Colts should draft in the first round

4. Kwity Paye

There’s no arguing the reality that the Colts have a large need at defensive end. Both Denico Autry and Justin Houston are headed for free agency. Indianapolis might be able to retain one of them on the open market, but they’ll almost certainly have one starting role to fill via either the draft or free agency.

The odds favor the Colts spending big-time free agent cash on a dominant edge guy, but they could fall in love with one of this class’s defensive ends in Round 1. Paye best fits the profile of what the team likes to get from their edge guys.

He may not have exceptional bend when he rushes the passer from the perimeter, but Paye makes up for that with his outstanding power at the point of attack. He may never develop into a double-digit sack artist at the next level, but his ability to hold up against the run gives him a chance to grade out as an above-average starter on the whole.

That kind of toughness will appeal to the Colts because of the way they like to construct their roster. They aren’t seduced by finesse guys near the line of scrimmage. Paye has the right body and work ethic to flourish in Indy.