The Indianapolis Colts had a phenomenal season in 2018, especially when you consider the circumstances. Andrew Luck was returning from a serious shoulder injury that left tons of question marks surrounding his future. A lot has changed with the 2019 NFL Draft now on the horizon.
Statistically speaking, Luck had his second-best season in 2018. He threw for 4,593 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
As a result of Luck's play, the Colts found themselves in the playoffs after going 10-6 during the regular season. Unfortunately, the season ended when Indianapolis lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round, but they did manage to defeat the division-rival Houston Texans the week before.
Regardless, Colts fans have plenty to be excited about after seeing a much-improved squad in 2018. The 2019 NFL Draft is almost upon us, and Indianapolis boasts the 26th overall pick in the first round.
There are a plethora of possibilities with the pick, and the Colts' top brass are likely figuring out who they want as we speak. Here are three perfect fits for Indianapolis with their first-round selection.
3. N'Keal Harry (WR, Arizona State)
The buzz surrounding D.K. Metcalf has softened the draft stocks of the other wide receivers in this draft. That could allow someone like N'Keal Harry to fall in the draft and into the Colts' lap at 26th overall.
Indianapolis needs more weapons on their offense—more so at the wide receiver position. T.Y. Hilton has been a mainstay on the outside, but he has never had consistent help alongside him.
The team signed Devin Funchess in free agency, but drafting a receiver should still be considered as a favorable option.
Harry was an absolute freak in college at Arizona State. In three seasons with the Sun Devils, Harry had 213 receptions, 2,889 yards, and 22 touchdowns.
The combination of Harry's size and speed is staggering, and he possesses great ball skills to high-point passes downfield. Drafting a weapon as dynamic as Harry would be a match made in heaven for Luck and the Colts.
2. Jerry Tillery (DT, Notre Dame)
Another need for the Colts is at defensive tackle. Currently, they start Margus Hunt and Denico Autry on the interior. Autry led the team in sacks with nine, while Hunt had five sacks as well. Surprisingly, the Colts boasted the eighth-best run defense in the NFL, yardage wise.
Regardless, Indianapolis can still improve the interior of their defensive line. Notre Dame's Jerry Tillery would be a phenomenal addition for the Colts' defense.
Tillery was a monster at stopping the run at Notre Dame. In four years in college, Tillery had 133 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks.
Tillery struggles to consistently be a factor in the pass rush, but a mixture of him and Autry could prove to be deadly. Drafting Tillery would be a fantastic decision by the Colts' front office.
1. Byron Murphy (CB, Washington)
Arguably the biggest need for Indianapolis is at the cornerback position. Last season, the Colts ranked 16th in the NFL against the pass, lacking depth at the position.
This need became strikingly apparent when they faced the Chiefs in the playoffs and lost. Washington's Byron Murphy is one of the best cornerbacks in this year's draft class and the Colts would be wise to select him if he falls to the 26th pick.
Murphy is a ball-hawk and possesses phenomenal coverage skills. The Washington product would immediately become a starter in Indianapolis.
Having a reliable cornerback in today's NFL is key to a defense's success. The versatility that Murphy brings is also beneficial to whoever selects him.
The talented cornerback is capable of playing in man or zone coverage schemes while also having a knack to provide plenty of run support. Murphy could end up being the best cornerback in this year's draft, and the Colts would be remiss not to select him if he falls in their lap in the first round.
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