NFL Mock Draft, Pick 31: Colts Select Charles Brown, OT USC

The 31st pick is in and SB Nation's Colts community, Stampede Blue, has selected...

USC OT Charles Brown

From Stampede Blue:

The Colts made the Super Bowl last year with a converted guard (Charlie Johnson) protecting Peyton Manning's blindside. And while CJ did an excellent job considering his draft pedigree, the reality is the Colts absolutely must upgrade at the left tackle spot in order to be a contender in years to come. 2007 first day draft pick Tony Ugoh has been a bust, losing his starting job to CJ early last season.

From Stampede Blue's draft profile of Brown:

His next two years were disappointing.  He could not keep the starting job as a sophomore and only had 4.5 sacks.  Things did not improve in his final year at USC.  He ended up getting 7 sacks but obviously did not live up to expectations.  While he did not have the best college career, his potential is unbelievable.  At 6'3", 278 pounds, he ran a 4.66 forty (2nd best for defensive linemen) and a 32 bench presses.  Whether he is a workout warrior or a future star remains to be seen, but there is no denying that those numbers are impressive.

From Mocking The Draft:

Should Brown last this long in the "real" draft, I imagine this would be the pick. It fills a huge need and would give the team an immediate starter. Good picking.

Remember the Super Bowl? Bill Polian seemed to indicate the offensive line was an issue at the time so this pick isn't a surprise. I know Peyton Manning has never missed a NFL game but as he gets up there in age it will become even more important to minimize the hits he takes. Brown, at 31, is a very good pick.

Read the full write-up at Mocking the Draft.