The Indianapolis Colts made the playoffs in 2020 and will be looking to repeat their success in 2021. They have had a very active offseason, as they’ve had to balance retirements as well as making some marquee free agent signings and trades to add some help to their squad. Now, they are turning their attention to the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.
The Colts are far from a finished product, and they could use the NFL Draft to help add some additional talent to their roster. Indianapolis made a major move when they traded for former first-round pick Carson Wentz to replace Philip Rivers at the quarterback position and the team could still have a few more moves up their sleeves.
Indianapolis could go in a multitude of directions with their number 21 overall pick, but they’ll surely be able to snag some worthy talent in that range. The Colts have an exciting core to build around in TY Hilton, Carson Wentz, Jonathan Taylor, and Michael Pittman Jr., but they could get even better in 2021.
The Colts are going to be looking to earn a playoff spot yet again in 2021 and the 2021 NFL Draft could go a long way into helping them do that. Let’s take a look at three intriguing options the Colts should consider with the 21st overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Jaelan Phillips, Defensive End, Miami
One of the most intriguing and most slept on prospects in the entire NFL Draft is Miami defensive end Jaelan Phillips. Phillips, who stands at 6-foot-5, is an absolute animal off the edge and could disrupt the flow of any NFL offense if given the opportunity.
Phillips is often under the radar in position rankings due to his teammate Gregory Rousseau getting the majority of the spotlight, but he could be a great add for a needy team like the Colts. The Colts are always looking to enhance their defensive line and they could get one of the best edge rushers in the entire draft in Phillips.
In 20 college football games between UCLA and Miami, Phillips accumulated a staggering 86 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, and five passes defended. I don’t know about you, but I would drool over a defensive end that averages a little over four tackles per game and can beat the majority of blocks.
Brevin Jordan, Tight End, Miami
I know it’s crazy to think about there being another first-round tight end drafted this year that’s not named Kyle Pitts, but Brevin Jordan has surely made his case to be a nominee for a mid-to-late round draft selection. Jordan stands at 6-foot-3 and played his college football at Miami and could be a surprise first-round pick for a team like the Colts.
Jordan is projected to go anywhere in the second round, but the Colts could take a leap of faith and snag him in the first. He may not be Pitts, but he would easily be the top tight end prospect if Pitts wasn’t in this draft.
He hauled in 105 receptions for 1,358 yards and 13 touchdowns during his career at Miami and he is a legitimate down field target for teams to consider. The Colts need to add a playmaker at the tight end position and they could do that with the addition of Miami’s Jordan.
Teven Jenkins, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State
The Colts still have a void to fill at offensive tackle following the retirement from Anthony Costanzo and they could look to add some beef to the offensive line. One player the Colts should strongly consider with their first-round pick in Oklahoma State offensive tackle Teven Jenkins.
Jenkins is easily the most aggressive offensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft and would be a picture perfect addition to the Colts’ offensive line. He shares a similar play style as their Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson and Jenkins wouldn’t have to waste any time building relationships with his new teammates.
He would be a plug and play guy for the Colts and the team would surely thank themselves for bringing him in. Jenkins is as fundamentally sound as they come and his first step is almost always evenly timed with the snap of the football, making him a very hard tackle to get a first jump on. The Colts would look like geniuses by making this selection in the first round.
