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2022 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts 7-round mock

By Rucker Haringey

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 25: Head coach Frank Reich and Carson Wentz #2 of the Indianapolis Colts look on against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on December 25, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 25: Head coach Frank Reich and Carson Wentz #2 of the Indianapolis Colts look on against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on December 25, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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Indianapolis Colts mock draft, Max Mitchell
AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Trey Ragas #9 of the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns is lifted into the air by teammate offensive lineman Max Mitchell #74 of the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns after he scored a touchdown in the second half of the play against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Ames, Iowa. The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns won 31-14 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /

Round 3: Max Mitchell

Mitchell didn’t play against an extremely high level of competition at Louisiana, but the quick feet he showed on tape from his tackle position rightly drew a lot of attention from NFL scouts. It might take him time to adjust to the speed and rigors of life in the NFL, but if things break right he could develop into a quality starter at either tackle spot.

The presence of Braden Smith means the Colts might start Mitchell out on the left to see if he can handle the premier position. Drafting him in Round 3 doesn’t mean the Colts can afford to let Eric Fisher walk in free agency without replacing him, but it does give them a potential high-quality swing tackle to use next season.

The question on Mitchell is just how quickly he can adjust to the pro game. He’s got good hips and quick feet that allow him to handle speedy edge rushers. If he can show the power required to handle bull rushers at the NFL level his upside is high.

Finding a potential starter at left tackle in Round 3 is good value for any franchise. The Colts understand the upside of a player like Mitchell even more than most of their peers.

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