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NFL First Round Mock Draft, Seahawks get defensive

By Dan Viens

Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick #18: Indianapolis Colts – Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

The Colts most glaring need is clearly up front on offense. Even before missing the last part of the season with shoulder and rib injuries, franchise QB Andrew Luck looked as if he was regressing. That’s due in part to the woeful performance of the guys blocking for him. Anthony Costanzo is the one bright spot as a young, still-developing left tackle, and Conklin could be the perfect bookend for him on the other side.

Conklin stands 6’6″, 318 pounds, and as a three year starter for the Spartans he brings a tremendous resume of experience and versatility. He established himself as the starter on the left side in East Lansing, but some scouts doubt his ability to stick there in the NFL due to a perceived lack of range. His strength, arm length, technique and big-game experience make him an ideal fit on the right side opposite Costanzo, however, while still offering the Colts another young player who could switch over and succeed at LT if injury necessitates it.

Next: On the clock: Buffalo

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