Some thoughts on Dan's Mock Draft relating to the Colts

Hi folks. If you don't know me, I'm the guy at the bottom of the blog who has the same administration rights to this blog as Mocking Dan does, but you hardly ever see me post here because Mocking Dan is my personal slave and does all my work for me.

Of course, I kid.

I helped revive this blog with Dan a little more than a year ago, and it has been impressive to see it grow to the vibrant community it is today. Dan deserves all the credit. I'm happy not to get any credit. Instead, send me $5,000 a month in unmarked bills and two vestal virgins dressed in white. I'll update this post later with an address.

OK, that business aside, it's time to talk about Dan's Mock Draft. For SB Nation, when I am not riding Dan's coat-tails, my focus is on the Indianapolis Colts. In Dan's most recent mock, he had the Colts taking the following player:

31. Indianapolis Colts
	Sean Weatherspoon | Linebacker | Missouri: The Colts have to be hoping that one of the offensive tackles falls, but that might not be the case. Brandon Spikes is a higher-rated linebacker, but Weatherspoon fits their defensive scheme much better. He can play inside if Gary Brackett isn't brought back. Or he can play outside if needed.

I will always be one of the first to tell anyone that Dan is about as good as it gets when it comes to Mock Drafts.however, with the news that the Colts will likely make middle linebacker Gary Brackett on of the highest paid LBers in football, plus the rumors that they might make an effort to sign Karlos Dansby, it is extremely unlikely that the Colts will draft a linebacker in the first round. Hell, the last time the Colts drafted a backer in the first was ten years ago when they took Rob Morris out of BYU.

For me, an alternative to Weatherspoon is Eric Norwood of South Carolina.From Dan's scouting reports:

3. Eric Norwood | 6'0, 252 pounds | South Carolina
	Norwood has the ability to fly off the ball and get after the quarterback. He's still learning outside linebacker after moving from end, but he has great quickness.

As we all saw in the Super Bowl, when the Colts were unable to generate a consistent pass rush due to Dwight Freeney's injury, Drew Brees completed 86% of his passes on his way to an MVP and a Lombardi Trophy. Norwood can play DE in the Colts system, using his speed and pass-rushing skills to get to the QB. He could also be utilized on special teams. The former SC special teams coach (Ray Rychleski) is the current special teams coach of the Colts. He likely has some insider knowledge of Norwood's strengths as a gunner on special teams.

Norwood could be utilized the way Robert Mathis was when he first broke into the league. With several of the key offensive linemen gone by pick #31, the logical shift is to pass rushers. Norwood might be small in size, but his speed and relentless play will help the Colts improve their pass rush.