Indianapolis Colts 2013 NFL Mock Draft, Week 7: 7 Rounds

Indianapolis Colts 2013 NFL Mock Draft, Week 7: 7 Rounds

The Indianapolis Colts had an astonishing 2012, despite minimal expectations coming in. After receiving the first overall pick, the Colts chose current franchise quarterback Andrew Luck, who was mature enough in the fourth quarter and showed enough poise throughout the year to earn the team a wild card berth, despite lacking talent in key areas. With an estimated $44 million in cap room, the team has already made a splash in free agency this offseason.

But general manager Ryan Grigson understands the Colts best starting point when building a new team is with superstar caliber players. This means the Colts have the flexibility to go for the best available, and not necessarily address their needs in the first round. However. the team can look to build around its quarterback by giving him pieces that will fit into the new system of offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton. With free agency occurring this week, the Colts chose to release both Donnie Avery and Austin Collie, and I believe they should draft a third receiver and allow T.Y Hilton to develop into the second receiver position.

It will all come down to how the Colts make the transition from veteran players like Dwight Freeney to the new faces of the defense. The defense is certainly where the Colts' draft will be focused on, as they will be looking to change the tone of games and rely less on Andrew Luck’s heroics. For 2013, the Colts have shifted higher up the ladder towards becoming a Super Bowl contender. After gaining spots in the power rankings all of last year, the team will be looking to develop on its strengths and make a playoff run, if not winning the division altogether.

Round 1: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

Desmond Trufant is the best cover corner in the draft. He would fit in nicely alongside Vonte Davis if not this year, surely in the future. Trufant plays an aggressive man-to-man defense that would also work well, and with his phenomenal footwork and agility he will certainly be better on the depth chart than some of the current Colts CB’s. Previously, DeAndre Hopkins had been a favorite to delve into the first round. But, after an ugly incident in an Indianapolis hotel and a genuine change of heart by the Colts organization, I believe the initial pick of Desmond Trufant will be available, and a solid franchise player for the budding Colts secondary.

Round 3: Trevardo Williams, DE, Conneticut

With the need of a 3-4 Defensive End not yet addressed, Trevardo Williams should still be available with the Colts third round pick. Absolutely solid all around, but a bit small for a 4-3 linebacker. Someone who absolutely fits the Colts defensive system, and should fall in place behind new acquisition Erik Walden, where he can develop is strength and aggressiveness.

Round 4: Aaron Mellette, WR, Elon

GM Ryan Grigson loves unknown players, and the NFL draft is kind to division two receivers, for example Vincent Jackson. Since being discovered, Mellette's stock has been skyrocketing, and scouts seem higher on Mellette than online mock drafts do. The Colts have held a private workout for the division two star, and his 6'2" frame fits perfectly into Pep Hamilton's "no-coast" offense. Not to be outdone, Grigson should be able to reach for Mellette easily in the fourth.

Round 6: Khaled Holmes, C, USC

The Colts will more than likely look to fortify their offensive line in the sixth round. Versatile Khaled Holmes out of USC is athletic enough to play any of the interior line positions, and started off his USC career at the right guard position. Holmes plays an intelligent, mistake-free style of football despite not having astonishing numbers, meaning he falls into the Ryan Grigson mold. Chuck Pagano has already worked out Holmes, so look for the Colts to select Holmes and hopefully mold him into a starter sometime in the future.

Round 7: Bradley McDougald, FS, Kansas

With the end of the draft looming at this point, the Colts should take someone who is athletic and versatile. Bradley McDougald has played receiver, strong and free safety throughout his high school and college career. He has found stability at the free safety position, and can be an absolute steal based purely on his athletic ability.

Round 7: Ray Graham, RB, Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has produced some very good running backs at the professional level. Ray Graham is back on that track after a strong 2012 senior season, one in which he was rebounding from a torn ACL. This absolutely affected his stock negatively, but Graham was an absolute workhorse at Pitt, carrying the ball 222 times. Very comparable to Vick Ballard, and with Donald Brown's contract expiring at the end of 2013, this pick makes sense. The Colts have expressed interest in Graham, and spoke to him at the East-West Bowl this year.