2011 NFL Mock Draft: Indianapolis Colts Make 1st Round Pick For ROTB

The Indianapolis Colts make their selection today in the ROTB mock draft. Which direction will they go? Do they seek to bolster the offensive line to protect Peyton Manning? Do they try to improve their defense because that is where the most improvement could be had?

KDean 75 is the community GM and Jessesb is the writer GM today. Their picks are after the jump. Jump in on the debate. Whose pick is better, based on available players? Whom would you have taken? Will these players have an impact in year one?

Now the Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock. Cory Williams will select for the community and I will for the writers. Cory, I'll be waiting for your pick.  Email me your picks and explanations by 11PM AZ time tonight. You know the rules -- no trades, no drafting guys that have been drafted. 

KDean75:

Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

The Colts have not had a dominant left tackle since Tarik Glenn retired after the 2006 season. They've used a combination of Tony Ugoh, Charlie Johnson or Levi Brown-types that can be hidden by Peyton Manning and the Colts scheme. As Peyton is aging and more than likely playing on his last contract, it is imperative for the Colts to make sure he stays healthy and endures a minimum of hits. While the Colts have the incredibly dynamic defensive end duo of Robert Mathis and Dwight Feeney, they also need help at defensive tackle. But Peyton is not only the face of the franchise, he is the franchise.

While I'm a big fan of Gabe Carimi and his nasty run blocking, he's not a left tackle in the NFL. Luckily, the best left tackle in this draft (in my opinion) is available, Derek Sherrod a four year starter from Mississippi State. He is not a supremely physical run blocker like Carimi, but he is an excellent pass blocker that just needs to work on keeping his base down to anchor against bull rushes, something that can easily be taught/worked on. I am a big fan of Tyron Smith as well, but I don't think a team like the Colts will go high risk/high reward with him, preferring the high floor of Sherrod.

Jessesb:

Mike Pouncey, C, Florida

Indy would prefer one of the tackles prospects but picks Pouncey looking to secure the inside of their line. Pouncey is able to play both guard and center which offers excellent value. While Pouncey isn't has highly rated as his brother was, he is considered the best interior lineman in the draft. Pouncey will able to help protect Manning and work towards creating a better run game.

Results of mock draft:

Draft assignments and team needs for Philadelphia Eagles, according to drafttek.com