2019 NFL Draft Mock 3.0: What if the Redskins traded back?
By Ian Cummings
The Indianapolis Colts exceeded expectations in 2018, due in part to a spectacular 2018 NFL Draft class put together by general manager Chris Ballard. The return of Andrew Luck was critical as well, as the Stanford product won Comeback Player of the Year with over 4,500 passing yards and 38 touchdowns. But Ballard’s class gave them the pieces to complete the puzzle.
In the first and second rounds, Ballard’s Colts nabbed two All-Pro caliber players in offensive guard Quenton Nelson and linebacker Darius Leonard, and now, in 2019, Ballard will be tasked with upholding the same precedent of excellence he set in 2018.
Because of their success in the 2018 NFL Draft, and because they have so much cap space to play around with, the Colts have some flexibility heading into the 2019 NFL Draft. They can afford to prioritize upside and developmental potential, as opposed to immediate dividends, and their first-round pick in this mock, Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu, mirrors that philosophy.
Omenihu is a hulking figure at 6-foot-6, 275. He has a monstrous wingspan as a defensive lineman, and his athleticism should give him versatility at the next level, if he’s put in the right situation. Stampede Blue’s Zach Hicks spotlighted Omenihu as a player who fits Chris Ballard’s speculative draft tendencies at edge rusher. Here’s what Hicks had to say:
"If any player fits the mold that Ballard likes in his defensive ends, its Charles Omenihu. Mostly a sub-rusher for Texas, Omenihu was very disruptive with a quick burst off of the line and a lengthy frame. He was a standout at the Senior Bowl where he put together a couple good practices. Omenihu also excels at tackling and has a relentless motor. His weaknesses are his lack of bend on the edge and inconsistent run defense."
The Colts could use some more depth and versatility on the defensive line, even with the emergence of pending free agent Margus Hunt. Omenihu could give them that and more.