Expert: Dan Kadar, SBNation
Date of mock draft: Feb. 12 (link)
Selection: Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis: “Going with Quenton Nelson with the third pick would be a surprise choice but a logical one because he’s considered by some as the best player in the draft this year. Still, guard isn’t as high of a value in the top five as a pass rusher. Chubb may not be a super athlete for a pass rusher, but he does everything well as a defensive end.”
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Expert: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Date of mock draft: Feb. 12 (link)
Selection: Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis: “The Colts hired an offensive-minded coach but someone who undoubtedly knows the importance of a strong, deep defensive front in Frank Reich. Chubb is the clear-cut top defensive end in this class.”
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Expert: Josh Norris, Rotoworld
Date of mock draft: Feb. 12 (link)
Selection: Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis: “The Colts have a number of non-guaranteed contract decisions to make on the defensive side of the ball. The goal of this pick is to find a prospect who creates big plays. Saquon Barkley does that on offense, and Jim Irsay insinuated he’d be in favor of this pick, but the perceived best edge rusher in the country would be ideal as well.”
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Expert: Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft: Feb. 12 (link)
Selection: Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis: “I think Indianapolis will likely trade down. If they are stuck at No. 3, then I think Saquon Barkley would be their top target with Chubb as a lovely plan B. The Colts need an edge defender who can be the building block for their defense and a potential franchise defensive player. Chubb could fit that for Indianapolis. Chubb totaled 73 tackles with 25 for a loss, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and two passes batted in 2017. He was awesome against Florida State, making some huge plays to lead N.C. State to a road upset with two sacks, a forced fumble and seven tackles. Chubb dominated the competition in 2017, playing like a top-10 pick. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Chubb has scheme flexibility and has been a tough defender for the Wolfpack. He has good quickness for a big defensive end and has shown the ability to get off blocks with his strength and hand usage. Chubb has developed some variety in pass-rushing moves and looks like an asset as a future three-down starter in the NFL. In 2016, he totaled 58 tackles with 22 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one pass batted. As a sophomore in 2015, Chubb collected 5.5 sacks.”
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Expert: Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft: Feb. 9 (link)
Selection: Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis: “Indianapolis has some nice edge rushers in Jabaal Sheard and John Simon, but neither is the elite talent Bradley Chubb happens to be. With Saquon Barkley off the board, Chubb is one of the two best players available. The Colts don’t need a safety (Minkah Fitzpatrick), and it might be too early to select a guard (Quenton Nelson), so Chubb makes the most sense at No. 3 overall. Chubb steadily moved up my mock drafts during the season. At 6-4, 275, Chubb has a great blend of size and speed, and he’s been dominant this season. There’s some talk that Chubb is viewed as the top defensive prospect in NFL circles.”
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Expert: Todd McShay, ESPN
Date of mock draft: Feb. 6 (link; requires ESPN Insider access)
Selection: Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis: “Indianapolis has needs all over the roster but is one of the few teams…
