Expert: Todd McShay, ESPN
Date of mock draft: Dec. 13, 2017 (link)
Selection: Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis: “This team has needs all over, but it is one of the few in the top 10 that should be set at QB, with a (presumably) healthy——————————
Date of mock draft: Jan. 15 (link)
Selection: Saquon Barkley, running back, Penn State
Analysis: “This pick should still be a toss-up between Barkley and North Carolina State pass rusher Bradley Chubb. If it simply comes down to the best overall player, the edge slightly goes to Barkley."
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Expert: Matt Miller, Bleacher Report
Date of mock draft: Jan. 15 (link)
Selection: Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis: “Bradley Chubb is special. At 6'4 ½", 275 pounds, he plays with a ridiculous amount of energy, agility and burst. As far as pure pass-rushers go, he's not quite on the level of former No. 1 picks Jadeveon Clowney or Myles Garrett, but he's right behind them. The Indianapolis Colts should be all about that. The Colts don't have a head coach yet so we can't speculate about how Chubb would fit into a scheme, but you can be comfortable in knowing he fits in every scheme. Whether it's as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 defensive end (think Joey Bosa), he's a fit. Chubb's talent and potential are special enough that he should be the first defensive player off the board."
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Expert: Luke Easterling, DraftWire
Date of mock draft: Jan. 10 (link)
Selection: Roquan Smith, linebacker, Georgia
Analysis: “Bradley Chubb should also receive strong consideration here, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Smith edged him out. After an impressive regular season, Smith was a dominant force for the Bulldogs in both playoff games, anchoring one of the best defenses in the nation. The Colts desperately need a presence like that at the heart of their defense.”
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Expert: Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY Sports
Date of mock draft: Jan. 4 (link)
Selection: Saquon Barkley, running back, Penn State
Analysis: “Given its languid pass rush and offensive line that gave up a league-worst 56 sacks this season, Indianapolis might be hard-pressed to take a running back this high, especially in a deep class. Barkley, however, is the sort of do-everything weapon who can be a transformational piece and give quarterback Andrew Luck the help he'll need in a potential return. And it doesn't hurt his case that owner Jim Irsay recently advocated for giving Luck an "Edgerrin James type of player."”
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Expert: Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft: Jan. 13 (link)
Selection: Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis: “Indianapolis has some nice edge rushers in
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Expert: Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
Date of mock draft: Jan. 12 (link)
Selection: Bradley Chubb, defensive end, North Carolina State
Analysis: “The Colts grab an edge defender who can be the building block for their defense and a potential franchise defensive player. 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."