The Indianapolis Colts now reveal their pick here in the first SB Nation Arizona mock draft. They have needs on defense (as always) and could use some help on the offensive line to protect the franchise Peyton Manning. They could also use some depth at wide receiver, although Manning can seemingly make anyone into a good receiver.
For the Colts, they decide to go on the defensive side of the ball with:
Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
While the Colts have not had a dominant left tackle in some time and a solid prospect on the board in Derek Sherrod, Liuget is the pick for the Colts. Yes, protecting Peyton Manning is important, but the team already does a good job at that. The greatest impact to be had would be to pick a up defensive player who can make plays at the line of scrimmage. Liuget is that guy. Playing in the Big 10, he lined up across some very good offensive linemen and was one of the more dominating defensive line players in the country.
He is versatile and can create a pass rush from the interior, which will add the effectiveness of outside rushers Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney. Adding Liuget will also help the Colts be much more stout against the run. Adding a talented player like this to a defense that could use some girth on the interior line can only help the Colts get back where they want to be -- playing for the Lombardi Trophy.
Tuesday's pick has the Philadelphia Eagles making their selection. Cory Williams will bring you that pick.
Check out the mock draft on the Arizona Cardinals team blog Revenge of the Birds to see who both the community and the writers are projecting.
2011 SBN AZ Mock Draft recap:
1- Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (Jess Root)
2- Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Cory Williams)
3- Buffalo Bills: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri (Scott Howard)
4- Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green, WR, Georgia (JR)
5- Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU (CW)
6- Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson (SH)
7- San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (JR)
8- Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (CW)
9- Dallas Cowboys: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (SH)
10- Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (JR)
11- Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska (CW)
12- Minnesota Vikings: Tyron Smith, OT, USC (SH)
13- Detroit Lions: Cameron Jordan, DE, California (JR)
14- St. Louis Rams: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (CW)
15- Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (SH)
16- Jacksonville Jaguars: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado (JR)
17- New England Patriots: J.J. Watts, DE, Wisconsin (CW)
18- San Diego Chargers: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (JR)
19- New York Giants: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida (JR)
20- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College (CW)
21- Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor (SH)
22- Indianapolis Colts: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois (JR)