The Indianapolis Colts will always be solid on offense as long as quarterback Andrew Luck is healthy. It's the defense that the team has to worry about. The Colts ranked just 18th against the run in 2014 and managed a good-not-great 41.0 sacks. With the offseason additions of running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Andre Johnson, the Colts should be squarely focused on the defensive side of the ball in the first-round of the NFL draft (though they could use some upgrades along the offensive line as well).
That is why Virginia outside linebacker Eli Harold is a possibility for Indy in this month's draft.
"I'd like to give them an offensive lineman here, but there aren't any left worth taking in this scenario," ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay wrote in his Mock Draft 4.0. "Harold would provide the Colts with a young pass-rusher to develop behind veterans Trent Cole and Robert Mathis, as Bjoern Werner has yet to provide evidence that he'll develop into an impact player. Harold is raw and needs to improve his recognition skills and tackling ability, but he flashes very good upside as a pass-rusher and is also a good run defender."
Harold is a versatile edge rusher with the ability to get into opposing backfield from a three point stance or standing up. He showcased impressive closing speed and initial burst during his time at Virginia. However, he has been docked a bit by NFL scouts for a lack of lower body strength. This makes it harder to disengage from blockers and offset power linemen.
Overall though, Harold projects to be a quality pass-rusher from the outside linebacker position in a 3-4 defense.
