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NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Giants, Patriots trade up; Redskins land defensive help

By Jacob Camenker

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Daniel Jones #17 of the Duke Blue Devils heads to the sidelines in the second half against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Daniel Jones #17 of the Duke Blue Devils heads to the sidelines in the second half against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 8: A.J. Brown #1 of the Mississippi Rebels points to the sky after scoring a touchdown against the Southern Illinois Salukis during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 8: A.J. Brown #1 of the Mississippi Rebels points to the sky after scoring a touchdown against the Southern Illinois Salukis during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

. Wide Receiver. Ole Miss. A.J. Brown. 26. player. 46

The Colts could use some help at receiver. T.Y. Hilton has been great as the team’s No. 1 receiver though he has had some minor health concerns at points. However, across from him, the team hasn’t had a quality complement since Reggie Wayne was still playing.

This offseason, the Colts signed Devin Funchess in hopes of developing him into a physical, possession-based wide receiver who might be able to win with his route-running skills. However, Funchess is on a one-year deal and fell out of favor in Carolina last year, so trusting him to fill that void is a risk. It worked when the Colts rehabilitated Eric Ebron’s career last year, but even if Funchess pans out, adding another receiver makes sense.

With the 26th pick, A.J. Brown makes a lot of sense. Brown was a highly productive receiver during his time at Ole Miss, totaling over 1,252 yards in each of the past two seasons. He played mostly in the slot, thanks to the presence of D.K. Metcalf and Damarkus Lodge, but Brown should be able to play outside at the NFL level. And if not, he has the potential to be an excellent slot weapon.

Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders /

Washington Commanders

Brown has solid all-around ability. He has good size, good athleticism, and excellent route running ability. He has a knack for finding space and strong hands, so he should be able to be a high-volume slot weapon in the NFL.

Brown is a nice complement for Hilton. He can focus on finding space and having a high-volume of targets come his way. Hilton can focus on making big plays and getting open downfield. And Funchess can make contested catches and hopefully become a red-zone weapon. Combining these three players with Ebron would give Andrew Luck an impressive arsenal of weapons to target. And essentially, that may complete the Colts’ offense.

The Colts have a lot of other options with this pick including defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, safeties Johnathan Abram and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, and other receivers like Deebo Samuel or Marquise Brown. But, for now, A.J. Brown is the most sensible option and fits a need for the team.

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