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2014 NFL Draft Handicapping Tips – Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts won’t be very active in the 2014 NFL Draft, as they possess a league-low five picks. Their first selection isn’t until late in the second round and they will have to hunt and peck to find players that can make a contribution on the roster.

Draft Preview

Draft picks (by round)

  • 2nd round 27
  • 3rd round 26
  • 5th round 26
  • 6th round 27
  • 7th round 17 (Traded from BAL)

Colts 2014 NFL Draft Predictions

That being said, Indy has some needs at positions that aren’t typically at a premium on Draft Day, so maybe the Colts brain trust can find some bargains.

Second Round (59th overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA

One distinct need this team must fill is on the interior of the offensive line. Protecting young franchise cornerstone QB Andrew Luck must be top priority, so the Colts could go with a guard or center with this selection.

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Su’a-Filo grades out as the best guard around this spot in the Draft and whether it’s him or Southern Cal’s Marcus Martin or Gabe Jackson from Mississippi State, Indianapolis will hope to grab a player they can start immediately.
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Su’a-Filo looks best because he’s smart, mature (24 years old after a Mormon mission), focused and tough. He is agile for his size (307 lbs) and will play to the whistle and eventually provide leadership from a unit on the team that often provides it.

Third Round (90th): Bryan Stork, C, Florida State

There’s no shame in grabbing another interior lineman here for the Colts, as that part of the offense desperately needs an upgrade after its terrible play in 2013. Starting center Khalid Holmes was uninspiring and a Seminoles veteran like Stork could step in and challenge for the starting job right away. Stork is only average athletically but like Su’a-Filo, he has the right attitude and plays with a chip on his shoulder.

Stork won’t back down and displays the intelligence and toughness you need from the potential leader of your offensive line. Peyton Manning was at his best for the Colts when the team had a solid but unspectacular O-line protecting him; Colts brass has to re-create something like that Indy O-line from the mid-2000s to keep Luck upright and productive.

Fifth Round (116th): Chris Davis, CB, Auburn

I normally wouldn’t go as deep as the fifth round to analyze a player for a short preview piece, but with the Colts’ lack of picks it is worthy of noting that Indy still has a need at corner. The Colts got shredded in the playoffs against Kansas City and although the team retained Vontae Davis, a little more help via the draft would be welcomed.

Other possibilities for the Colts: Terrence Brooks (S, Florida St), Marcus Martin (C, USC), Gabe Jackson (G, Mississippi St), Daniel McCullers (NT, Tennessee)

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By James Hayes

James has been naming every player on the EA Sports video game rosters for half a decade now, he’s finally putting his knowledge to better use writing for us here at CappersPicks.com. Your comments are welcome below…Give Us Your Take!