Pro Football Network’s A.J. Schulte put together a seven-round NFL Mock Draft and made an interesting selection for the Colts. He has the Indianapolis Colts selecting MarShawn Lloyd in the fourth round (112th overall pick) of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Lloyd, the former USC star, is one of the top running back prospects in this year’s class. The 5-foot-9, 217-pounder would be a nice addition to any team’s backfield.
With the Colts’ first three picks, Schulte has the team taking Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (first round, 15th overall), Clemson defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (second round, 46th overall), and Arizona wide receiver Jacob Cowing (third round, 82nd). Each of those players would help fill some of the team’s biggest needs.
Running back isn’t necessarily one of the Colts’ most glaring needs right now. Yet, it will be if Zack Moss isn’t re-signed this offseason.
The Indianapolis Colts Take MarShawn Lloyd in the Latest NFL Mock Draft
College Career
Lloyd didn’t spend his entire college career at USC. He started with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Lloyd missed his first year due to tearing his ACL in his second practice with the team. The Delaware native returned the following year, rushing for 228 yards and a touchdown. In 2022, Lloyd rushed for 573 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 176 yards and two scores.
Lloyd then transferred to USC, teaming up with superstar quarterback Caleb Williams. During the 2023 season, he averaged 7.1 yards per carry and rushed for 820 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 13 receptions for 232 yards. The highlights of his season were a 154-yard day against Arizona State and a 115-yard, two-touchdown performance versus California.
Potential Backup for Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor is the leader of the Colts’ backfield. There’s no doubt about it. When healthy, the 2021 rushing leader is easily one of the league’s top running backs.
Moss was Taylor’s backup this past year as he enjoyed the best season of his career. The former third-round pick produced a total of 986 yards and seven touchdowns. He filled in for Taylor, who was in and out of the lineup due to injury.
Moss is a free agent this spring. Surely, the Colts would love for him to return. But it wouldn’t be surprising if he lands with another team and accepts a starting job. If he leaves, the Colts will have to find a replacement.
Drafting Lloyd just might be the solution. He could compete with holdovers Tyler Goodson and 2023 fifth-round pick Evan Hull, whose rookie year was cut short due to a torn meniscus.
While Lloyd needs to improve in the passing game, he’d add big-play potential on the ground. His explosiveness would help out in short-yardage situations as it enables him to hit holes before the defense can react. He’s a high-energy runner who showcases great stop-start quickness and the ability to make defenders miss.
Schulte’s NFL Mock Draft prediction could come true and Lloyd ends up in Indianapolis. If that’s the case, it would be a good move by the Colts as they add depth to the running back position.
Main Photo: Jason Parkhurst – USA Today Sports
