BBV Community Mock Draft 2011: With The 22nd Pick, Indianapolis Selects ...

Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin. [Full profile]

Playing the role of general manager for the Indianapolis Colts is 'dannymac56.' Here is his rationale for the selection.

The Colts need O-Linemen. Fortunately, only two have gone off the board, and you could argue that the remaining talent at Tackle is among the best available. This should be the year Bill Polian breaks his streak of avoiding OT's in the first round. There are a couple of decent pass rushers still available, and having a powerful DT wouldn't hurt. However, if it comes down to guys that will protect 18, and guys that will take the field when he walks off it, Polian probably decides to keep Peyton safe(r). That rules out some guys that should get consideration if they're still available at 22 in April- Kerrigan, Clayborn, Wilkerson and Liuget.

This pick came down to two players. The best tackles still here are Solder and Carimi. Sherrod is weaker than Carimi and not as athletic as Solder, so I don't see him being the pick here. Despite Solder's potential, it's crucial that Polian doesn't miss, so I am putting a little less stock in ceiling and a little more in safety. Solder may be an excellent pass blocker, but I have a lot of questions about his ability in the run game, his weight and his strength. How would he handle a Mario Williams type- guys who can rush with a little power? It worries me.

Maybe Carimi can play LT. He handled some excellent future first-round pass-rushers at the Senior Bowl practices. Charlie Johnson was awful and is a free agent. If Carimi lacks agility, I'm very confident he can deal with right-side rushers where Ryan Diem also needs to be upgraded. Even if he ends up a guard... the Colts aren't impressive there, either. This is a safe pick with a high likelihood of upgrading the Colts O-Line immediately, and maybe they will have a little more success running the ball as well.

My take: The perfect pick here for the Colts. Regardless of whether it is right side, left side, inside or outside the Colts need help on the offensive line. Whoever it is, the Colts need to take the best offensive lineman available here. Carimi fits because he offers them something they desperately need -- an offensive lineman with a reputation for getting a good push in the running game, an area where the Colts were awful a year ago.

-- 'JimmyK' is now on the clock with the Eagles pick at No. 23.

Round 1

Round 2