FLEX Mock Draft: Ace the Colts’ first three draft selections

admin | March 7, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

With the 2024 NFL Draft only seven weeks away, Stampede Blue’s two key goals are to provide thorough coverage of the 2024 offseason and to dominate the next draft class for the Indianapolis Colts. Let’s start with the first three rounds, focusing on current positions that require depth.

First Round: Cornerback – Terrion Arnold (Alabama)

If Terrion Arnold is available, Indianapolis can address its dearth of cornerback depth with the 15th choice in the April NFL Draft. Alabama’s 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back is one of the most versatile collegiate talents available. He is athletic enough to defend outside the numbers or in the slot, and he mentioned his free safety background in high school. During last week’s media appearances at the Indiana Convention Center, Arnold referenced his high school, John Paul II Catholic in Tallahassee, Fla., which used a ‘funnel the ball to Terrion’ defense.

He was named First-Team All-American in 2023 after recording career highs of 63 tackles, 12 pass deflections, five interceptions, and a forced fumble for the Crimson Tide. There is significant value in relying on a two-year starter at Alabama, as Arnold is comfortable pressing in man coverage and playing through the whistle. Arnold ran a 4.5 40-yard sprint during Friday’s combine practice and demonstrated exceptional agility on the field. He tackles the run with the purpose of jarring the ball loose, and he possesses the closing speed to attack opposing receivers’ hands and break up potential receptions. With so many first-round picks expected to be offensive players, the Colts might land the greatest defensive player at his position to save their secondary.#

Thank you, Alabama! #Lank pic.twitter.com/1EzMKSiZnq

— Terrion “𝔾ℍ𝕆𝕊𝕋" Arnold (@ArnoldTerrion) January 8, 2024

Second Round: Receiver – Roman Wilson (Michigan)

Roman Wilson, a receiver from Michigan, would be an excellent addition to the Colts offense. Wilson was named Second-Team All-Big Ten in 2023 and helped the Wolverines win the national championship with 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is a prolific space weapon and an excellent playmaker when the ball is in his possession. Wilson scored the game-tying touchdown in the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal, forcing the Rose Bowl game versus Alabama into overtime. With a loaded receiver class, Wilson’s route running may set him apart from the rest of the competition.

Wilson demonstrated great top-end speed at last Saturday’s combine workout, finishing tied for sixth quickest among participating receivers with an official 4.39. Wilson’s 5-foot-11 stature limits him to the slot, but he can complement Shane Steichen’s run-pass-option scheme as a potential deep threat with high promise. He creates significant separation at the line of scrimmage and would incorporate an explosive element into the existing receiver grouping. Wilson has amazing hands to catch tight-window passes in traffic. 55% of the Stampede Blue community expects the Colts will choose defense in the first round, while Wilson is ranked ninth among receivers on the Pro Football Focus 2024 NFL choose Big Board.

Every WR class has a top-50 player who "just gets open." That's Roman Wilson this year

Wilson is among the best route-runners in the draft class. He uses his intense speed to put defensive backs on their back foot immediately and works from there

PRO COMPARISON: Tyler Lockett pic.twitter.com/kaiXZTCejy

— Football Feen (@f00tballfeen) March 2, 2024

Third Round: Safety – Kamren Kinchens (Miami)

Indianapolis may land the finest safety available on Day 2 by drafting Miami’s Kamren Kinchens. Kinchens earned All-American honors and a 90.0 PFF season grade in 2022, ranking seventh among safeties. In 2023, he had 59 tackles, five pass deflections, and five interceptions, including a pick-six in Miami’s Week 9 overtime victory over Virginia. Kinchens, a three-year starter, has 162 total tackles and led the Hurricanes in interceptions the last two seasons. He became the first Miami player since the late Sean Taylor to record double-digit interceptions throughout his undergraduate career.

Kinchens measured 5-foot-11 and weighed 203 pounds at last week’s combine. His footage depicts a ball hawk with incredible range to roam the rear and instincts to fill the box and defend against the run. He demonstrates an aggressive disposition by laying hit-sticks on receivers over the middle. Kinchens is the fourth-ranked safety on PFF’s Big Board and might earn a starting berth in his first training camp. Safety is a critical position in Indianapolis, and Kinchens would bring enormous versatility to the secondary.