Hey everyone, sorry this is cutting it so close to the point of just about being late, I've had a lot on my plate this week. As stated in my first mock (Version A: Pre-Senior Bowl Edition), my thought process is to hopefully produce a mock draft around this time of month for January (A: Pre-Senior Bowl), February (B: Pre-Combine), March (C: Post-Combine & Pro Days), and April (D: Final). Heights and Weights are up-to-date from the Combine (per NFL.com).

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We have a number of Colts fans here on MtD, so while this may make more sense in a Colts-specific blog, I don't think this is too out of place here. If nothing else, as it concerns the NFL Draft.

Before we get into the actual mock itself (although you dear reader are free to skip ahead, the mock is after the jump), let's first paint the picture for the Colts heading into the Draft by looking at their roster situation.

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Okay, here goes. My current thought process is to produce a mock draft around this time of month for January (A: Pre-Senior Bowl), February (B: Pre-Combine), March (C: Post-Combine & Pro Days), and April (D: Final). Hopefully I'll get it all done.

For the first 12 picks or so, I address the quarterback situations of teams so as to explain why they do or don't draft one of the quarterback prospects. No draft trades included.

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Well here goes:

TRADE: Indianapolis Colts trade the No. 31 pick, the No. 63 pick, and the No. 94 pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 21 pick, the No. 84 pick, and the No. 119 pick.

I think the trade is a win-win for both parties. The Colts trade up right after the Top 20 and more importantly ahead of the Green Bay Packers (at No. 23) to potentially steal an offensive tackle they want/need. The Colts don't have to sacrifice picks outright plus as it pertains to their needs in this draft, I think there's little difference from the late 2nd to the mid 4th round.

The Bengals trade down a few spots in the 1st round, still getting the BPA who helps them the most on a 5-year term but a slightly cheaper cost, and this simple move upgrades their 4th round pick into a late 2nd which is great for them (last year they drafted starting linebacker Rey Maualuga in the 2nd and promising pass-rusher Michael Johnson in the early 3rd).

1.21.* Bryan Bulaga, Offensive Tackle, Iowa, Junior (6-5 1/8, 314, 33 1/4)

I'm just hoping that Bulaga can be an exact repeat of Michael Oher last year, falling out of the Top 20 because of questions/concerns about his ability to play left tackle (including shorter than ideal 33"-plus arm length). Whereas Detroit should have taken Oher at #21, my ideal scenario has the Colts trading up to #21 and getting the tackle. Bulaga is a technician who plays to the whistle on every play, he's not a mauler but plays with a physical demeanor and that's what I want, that is what I think the Colts need. He has Big Ten character, which is perfect for the Colts. And he turns 21 years old on March 21st, he's still so young despite the quality collegiate play he's already amassed. I think there could be a good comparison to Joe Thomas at a similar age, Thomas has similar shorter-than-ideal arm length too (33 3/4"), although of course I'm not saying Bulaga will be as good as Thomas as Thomas is the best left tackle in the NFL. Bulaga might come close to being as good maybe, and maybe at worst you get Jeff Backus of the Lions. I'll take that.

Unfortunately I think the Colts will want USC tackle Charles Brown over Bulaga, because Brown is more athletic and he has longer arms (35 1/4"). I'm not crazy about Brown at all, I think his run-blocking deficiency is too much to overcome for him to have any chance at being great, plus I think there are/could be work ethic concerns. Brown eerily reminds me of Tony Ugoh, a more athletic left prospect with longer arms (36") who could be argued was just as good coming out as Brown now, and we've seen how Ugoh has failed to live up to his promise. Another former 1st round pick Alex Barron has ridiculously long arms (37 3/4") and he turned out to be a penalty-fest disappointment for the Rams. I dearly wish the Colts would understand that left tackle doesn't begin and end with arm length, but my hopes aren't high at all on that front.

I wouldn't be overly disappointed with Brown, but I would be ecstatic with Bulaga, if I could sum it up in that way. We'll see what the Colts do, let's just hope Bulaga falls that far and he wins the Colts over as a player. As for other offensive tackles, Russell Okung isn't getting out of the Top 5 and I expect Bruce Campbell (another shaky prospect I bet the Colts want because of his very long arms - 36 1/4" - and athleticism) will be taken by the Raiders soon after.

1.31. Traded to Cincinnati

2.63. Traded to Cincinnati

3.84.* Amari Spievey, Cornerback, Iowa, Junior (6-0, 190)

Talented and underrated corner prospect who I like, and think could be the jewel of Polian's eye after getting the first round left tackle. Spievey can play zone, can play man, and he is a willing tackler. He gives the Colts the relatively taller, physical corner to replace Marlin Jackson - as much I'd love to see Marlin succeed with the Colts going forward, it's been two straight years now where the guy can't even go halfway through the season without tearing knee ligaments in non-game action situations. I wouldn't be against giving Jackson one more chance this season but I wouldn't count on him at this point, and Tim Jennings has to go so the Colts need to draft at least one cornerback. Spievey will be a great fit and addition to the Colts' cornerback depth.

3.95. Traded to Cincinnati

4.119*. Jammie Kirlew, Defensive End, Indiana, Senior (6-2, 259)

Kirlew is a personal favorite of mine for quite some time now. Raheem Brock needs to be released now, he's gone from okay (2007) to poor (2008) to awful (2009). Keyunta Dawson is almost just as ineffective, but at least he's much cheaper. Colts fans know the team desperately needs to add defensive end talent behind stud duo Dwight Freeney - best defensive end in the league as I've said for years - and Robert Mathis. The Colts did sign CFL Defensive Player of the Year John Chick, but they need to add at least one more guy to compete with Dawson this summer for a roster spot.

4.128. Chris Scott, Offensive Tackle/Guard, Tennessee, Senior (6-4, 319, 34 1/8)

If the Colts are going to fix for the better their finesse offensive line that has disappointed in consistently creating holes in the running game, Scott may be a great mid-round addition to help do that. A talented and very experienced starter for the Vols who played guard and left tackle, he'll be best suited playing guard in the pros. Although that said, he might have outright right tackle potential or could play right tackle in a pinch like the Colts had with Jake Scott (no relation I'm guessing). This Scott would give the Colts a good pass-protecting, physical run-blocking right guard which would be perfect for what they need. Of course for 2010 he'll have to compete for the job with Charlie Johnson and Kyle DeVan this summer, and may the best man win.

5. Nate Byham, Tight End, Pittsburgh, Senior (6-4, 268)

Hopefully Byham is still available at this point, if he is that would be phenomenal for the Colts as they have a complete black hole at #2/inline tight end. Gijon Robinson is not an NFL caliber player, he won't make any other 53-man roster for the other 31 teams in the league once the Colts cut him, just watch. I had high hopes for Tom Santi but the guy can't even stay healthy for consecutive games, he can't be counted on at this point (but I'd let him compete for a roster spot this summer). Byham is a capable receiver as a tight end and a very good blocking tight end, selflessly committing himself to the latter for the better of his team - helping contribute to strong running games headlined by LeSean McCoy and now Dion Lewis - which makes him perfect for the Colts and their offensive dynamic. Had a hard-nosed playing career at Pittsburgh under Wannstache, in the Big East, which I also like.

7. Walter McFadden, Cornerback, Auburn, Senior (5-10, 176)

This may be wishful thinking, hard to say at this point. McFadden is one my favorite late round prospects, I think he's similar to Jacob Lacey in that he has some natural instincts for a corner (I've come to appreciate instincts as just as important a factor at the position as anything else, if not actually more important) and is a willing tackler well past his light frame. For his last bowl game, his coaches moved him inside to cover the slot, which could speak to his ability and versatility. I'd really like to see the Colts pick up McFadden as their #5 corner, and I think they will be interested in him come the Draft if he can fall far enough.

7 comp (Darrell Reid). 
7 comp (Hunter Smith).

At this point I don't really have any picks to speak of, take your guesses.

Thoughts, ideas, criticisms? Feel free to chime in, however you like.

I guess you could say this is my Super Six. The guys who I think are the best players and could potentially be available for the Colts in the 1st round. All six could very well be off the board before the Colts' pick, it's quite conceivable. However I very much don't see trading up as a likely option.

Okay, here goes, in alphabetical order:


Percy Harvin, wide receiver
Not near as polished as previous 1st round wide receiver draft picks, although on talent alone, you might not always find someone as talented as Harvin at the 27th overall pick every year. A playmaker in the forms of a deep threat, a dynamic return man, and a YAC producer - all areas the Colts could definitely improve upon and benefit from. 

Peria Jerry, defensive tackle
His age and durability are concerns, he's a bit top-heavy and sloppy in build, and he might not be the sharpest kid in the classroom however I don't think that's as big a concern at this position (as say maybe Harvin at WR). I do think he would be perfect for the Colts, as a 3-tech to play next to Antonio Johnson on regular downs and then slide inside to NT on pass-rushing downs as Raheem Brock moves inside. Hard to look past the age though, a guy who will be 30 years old after his rookie contract, in a draft class with some good 3-techs. But he could probably start day one, so if he stays healthy, could still produce the same amount of productive years in the NFL.

James Laurinaitis, linebacker
The linebackers were probably the most disappointing defensive unit in 2008, I'd say, although Clint Session is a real bright spot. Not so much with Freddy Keiaho, who seems to take two plays back for every good play - he needs to improve or follow Cato June in wearing another uniform soon. And Gary Brackett is entering the last year of his contract, he'll be 30 years old come next offseason. Unless the Colts feel the talented youngster Philip Wheeler can succeed him, they need to find Brackett's successor in the next two drafts (or possibly free agency? Re-sign Brackett?). Laurinaitis looks to be a perfect fit. He's not a thumper, but he diagnoses plays well, can slip through blockers at times, and probably drops back in coverage as well as any MLB prospect as we've seen in the last decade's worth.

Alex Mack, center
Mack is a stellar player and can start day one from somewhere on your interior offensive line. Now, the Colts have two gems from last year in Mike Pollak and 7th round surprise Jamey Richard, both guys with a lot of promise. So the need factor might discount Mack some, although as a player, I think he's well worth this pick in terms of value/talent.

LeSean McCoy, runningback
McCoy reminds me of Reggie Bush in his running style, which might make some reading this cringe, but I think of that as a compliment myself. Interesting note though, McCoy has actually averaged 4.82 yards per carry in his collegiate career, so he doesn't fit Polian's 1st round RB formula. Still, he was the offense at Pittsburgh and anyone can see he's an explosive back (which I think he'll cement at the Combine). Similar case to Mack, in that the Colts have Joseph Addai for at least two more years, but if the talent is right there you have to consider it. 

Alphonso Smith, cornerback
Smith shining throughout Senior Bowl was of no surprise to me, and he shouldn't even be reaching this pick. Teams are bound to overlook him because of his height however, which is a shame ... although perhaps good fortune for the Colts. The desirability of Smith as a prospect is tied to the futures of Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson though, because spending a 1st round pick on a long-term #3 corner isn't very likely.

Feel free to discuss. Agree/Disagree? Your personal ranking? Etcetera