2022 Final Colts Mock Draft Look: Offensive Tackles Gaining Steam
INDIANAPOLIS – Will one of Chris Ballard’s core roster building beliefs add another name this Friday night.
Draft pundits are starting to mock a few more offensive tackles to the Colts at No. 42 overall.
With the draft here this week, it’s time to collect the thoughts from various analysts heading into a week fans circle on their calendars each year.
Here is our final Mock Draft look for 2022:
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr: Pick No. 42: OT-Tyler Smith (Tulsa)
Kiper’s Analysis: For the Colts’ first pick, I see them going best offensive lineman on the board. They have a hole at right guard and left tackle. Smith could fill either of those voids. He was almost too aggressive at times last season (12 penalties), but he is physical at the point of attack.
CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson: Pick No. 42: S-Lewis Cine (Georgia)
Pro Football Focus’ Anthony Treash: Pick No. 42: OT-Tyler Smith (Tulsa)
Treash’s Analysis: Arguably the most violent offensive lineman at the Group of Five level, Smith led the nation in big-time run-blocks a season ago. His grip strength and power are a sight to see — once his hands get locked into the defender’s pads, it’s game over. The Tulsa product earned a 92.1 PFF grade that ranked fourth among FBS tackles in 2021. He was even better from Week 6 on, too, as he graded out at 94.2 over the back half of the season.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler: Pick No. 42: WR-Skyy Moore (Western Michigan)
Brugler’s Analysis: The idea of pairing Michael Pittman Jr. with Skyy Moore feels like a perfect match for Matt Ryan and the Colts’ offense. Chris Ballard prefers size at the position, but with his speed, toughness and quick reflexes at the catch point, Moore is the type of receiver that the Colts’ general manager will really appreciate.
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter: Pick No. 42: OT-Bernhard Raiman (Central Michigan)
Sports Illustrated’s Zack Patraw: Pick No. 42: WR-Alec Pierce (Cincinnati)
MOCK DRAFT TOTALS
In each installment of the mock draft looks we will total up all the positions pundits have pegged for the Colts throughout the draft process:
–1st Mock Draft Look (April 5th)
Totals:
OT-Bernhard Raimann (3)
WR-Skyy Moore (2)
OT-Tyler Smith (2)
WR-Alec Pierece (1)
QB-Sam Howell (1)
OT-Trevor Penning (1)
S-Lewis Cline (1)
Bowen’s Analysis: So, the offensive theme is continuing for the Colts. But the thought has shifted a bit to the offensive trenches. It’ll be interesting to see a potential draft room debate between offensive tackle/wide receiver for the Colts. Last year, the Colts went defensive end (Kwity Paye) over offensive tackle (Christian Darrisaw) largely due to the character of the players. The more pressing need right now is wide receiver, with Skyy Moore and Alec Pierce both guys fitting the Colts. Granted, offensive tackle is one injury away from being a huge need in 2022, too. Raimann is an older prospect (24 years old), hailing from Austria, and you wonder if his smaller wingspan would shy the Colts away at all. Smith isn’t as polished as Raimann, but there’s more to work with athletically in the 21-year-old prospect. Internally, the Colts value offensive line more than wide receiver. Would that come into play if this sort of proposition appeared at No. 42 overall on Friday?
