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Sheldon Rankins And 4 Other Prospects Indianapolis Colts Should Target In 2016 NFL Draft

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The Indianapolis Colts were weighed down heavily by injuries in 2015, but they also showed a clear lack of talent in several areas of the roster. Here are five prospects they can target in the 2016 NFL Draft to help remedy that situation for next season.

5. Baylor DE Shawn Oakman

Baylor DE Shawn Oakman Ronald Martinez Getty Images
Oakman is a physical specimen (6-foot-7, 269 pounds) who has produced on the field (34 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks over his final two seasons at Baylor). A bad practice week at the Senior Bowl has him off on a bad foot, even with two sacks in the game, but the Colts could use Oakman's upside. If the timing is right they should have him on their radar at some point during the draft.

Oakman is a physical specimen (6-foot-7, 269 pounds) who has produced on the field (34 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks over his final two seasons at Baylor). A bad practice week at the Senior Bowl has him off on a bad foot, even with two sacks in the game, but the Colts could use Oakman's upside. If the timing is right they should have him on their radar at some point during the draft.

4. Arkansas RB Jonathan Williams

Arkansas RB Jonathan Williams Wesley Hitt Getty Images
The Colts have an aging Frank Gore and little else at running back, so they should look to add some youth and potential to the mix during the draft. A left foot injury sidelined Williams for the 2015 season, which derailed his draft stock after a promising 2014 season (1,190 rushing yards, 14 total touchdowns). The foot issue also limited Williams' participation during Senior Bowl week, but if he checks out healthy between now and the draft, the Colts should take a chance on securing a future workhorse.

The Colts have an aging Frank Gore and little else at running back, so they should look to add some youth and potential to the mix during the draft. A left foot injury sidelined Williams for the 2015 season, which derailed his draft stock after a promising 2014 season (1,190 rushing yards, 14 total touchdowns). The foot issue also limited Williams' participation during Senior Bowl week, but if he checks out healthy between now and the draft, the Colts should take a chance on securing a future workhorse.

3. Utah State OLB Kyler Fackrell

Utah State OLB Kyler Fackrell Loren Orr Getty Images
The Colts finished in the bottom half of the league with 35 sacks, and former first-round pick Bjoern Werner continued to vastly underachieve. Fackrell made a nice return from a 2014 torn ACL last season with 82 total tackles (15 tackles for loss), four sacks and 15 quarterback hurries, and in the second or third round, he should be high on Indianapolis' draft board.

The Colts finished in the bottom half of the league with 35 sacks, and former first-round pick Bjoern Werner continued to vastly underachieve. Fackrell made a nice return from a 2014 torn ACL last season with 82 total tackles (15 tackles for loss), four sacks and 15 quarterback hurries, and in the second or third round, he should be high on Indianapolis' draft board.

2. Notre Dame C Nick Martin

Notre Dame C Nick Martin Jonathan Daniel Getty Images
The Colts need help along their interior line, particularly at center. Martin can bring some stability there, and his starting experience at guard would allow him to play there as well if needed.

The Colts need help along their interior line, particularly at center. Martin can bring some stability there, and his starting experience at guard would allow him to play there as well if needed.

1. Louisville DT Sheldon Rankins

Louisville DT Sheldon Rankins Andy Lyons Getty Images
Rankins is a rising prospect after a strong Senior Bowl week, and he is now considered a first-round talent with scheme versatility. Indianapolis' 25th-ranked run defense (122 yards per game) needs a lot of help, and Rob Rang of CBS Sports.com has them taking Rankins No. 18 overall in his latest mock draft.

Rankins is a rising prospect after a strong Senior Bowl week, and he is now considered a first-round talent with scheme versatility. Indianapolis' 25th-ranked run defense (122 yards per game) needs a lot of help, and Rob Rang of CBS Sports.com has them taking Rankins No. 18 overall in his latest mock draft.

Brad Berreman is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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