NFL Mock Draft 2018: Updated first round after Week 9
4. player. 46. . OT. Notre Dame. Mike McGlinchey
The Indianapolis Colts allowed their star quarterback Andrew Luck to get beat up through the beginning of his career. In 2016 the Colts allowed 44 sacks. That was the fifth most in the NFL. The hits took a toll on Luck who has yet to play a snap in the 2017 season.
It doesn’t do a team much good to have an elite passer riding the pine because he can’t stay healthy. The protection up front deservedly takes a good chunk of the blame for that.
During last offseason the Colts knew the offensive line was a need and they did address it, to a degree. Indianapolis spent three of their first six picks of the 2016 NFL draft on offensive lineman. Their top selection. No. 18 overall, was center Ryan Kelly from Notre Dame. They also drafted offensive tackles Le’Raven Clark (Round 3) and Joe Haeg (Round 5).
That’s a good start, but they need a sure-fire starter capable of holding down one spot for years to come. Protecting Andrew Luck is worth an extra top pick. Notre Dame’s Mike McGlinchey is the best tackle in this draft and well worth an early selection by the Colts.