2017 NFL Mock Draft: Indianapolis Colts Select ILB Reuben Foster at No. 15

With the 15th pick in the 2017 DBN Community NFL Mock Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select...

Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama

The selection and write-up were made by fjblessi:

The Indianapolis Colts, like the Browns are in rebuilding mode, unlike the Browns they have their QB and are working to put together the team to support their franchise quarterback. After the multi-year feuding between the GM (Ryan Grigson) and coach (Chuck Pagano), Jim Irsay has decided to give Pagano one more year with their new GM Chris Ballard. Ballard has started the rebuild by releasing a good number of his predecessors free agent signings and has stayed out of the top tier free agents opting to sign low to mid-level players to fill some of the holes on the roster. These include Kamar Aiken, Sean Spence, and former Browns Jabaal Sheard and Barkevious Mingo.

Even after these signings the Colts have serious needs at all levels of their defense, the right side of their offensive line and running back. This year's OL class is weak, and the Colts have some young players that they hope will grow into their roles. One of the top RB's Dalvin Cook is still on the board, however given Pagano's defensive background and the depth at RB Cook is not the choice. A true defensive difference-maker is still available and he is the Colts pick at #15. Alabama's inside linebacker, Reuben Foster.

Foster is a true 3 down linebacker whom CBS believes has a skill set (i.e. speed) that will translate to the NFL better than his predecessor at Alabama, Reggie Ragland. Having a top tier tackler who is as effective covering RB's and TE's as he is at stopping ball carriers will give the Colts a lot more flexibility on defense and will be a great addition to their roster.

Pokorny: The Colts have several major holes, including at running back, on the offensive line, and at linebacker. There’s no way they’ll be able to successfully patch them all at once, but trying to get started with Foster is a good start because of the weakness of this year’s offensive line class.

The Baltimore Ravens are up next, led by Suppa Bob.