Outside linebacker is clear position of need for the Indianapolis Colts. A player who fits that role might be available when the Colts pick at No. 18 on Thursday. Linebacker Noah Spence had 63 tackles, including 22.5 for a loss, and 11.5 sacks last season at Eastern Kentucky.
It’s how Spence ended up at Eastern Kentucky which could scare teams like the Colts off. He tested positive for Ecstasy at the 2013 Big Ten title game while at Ohio State. Spence obviously didn’t learn his lesson because he tested positive for Ecstasy again in 2014, which led to him being permanently banned from the Big Ten Conference.
It’s issues like that could have the Colts shying away from Spence despite needing to get younger at linebacker.
“It’s tough to stay disciplined because when you see players on film that are quote, unquote ‘game wreckers,’ you want those guys,” Colts general manager Ryan Grigson said. “You want those guys that pop and that can just make an impact. We’ve gotten burned here even in the later rounds with those type of guys, so why and the heck would we ever go early and take a guy like that?
"It’s weighing the risk against the value. Of course there are certain position groups that you drool for. There’s only a small handful there. It’s all about what you come to an agreement on, Coach [Chuck Pagano], myself and our staff.”
Four players Grigson has drafted since 2012 have been arrested. Andrew Jackson, John Boyett, LaVon Brazill and Jonathan Newsome are no longer with the team. The Colts released Newsome, who led them in sacks in 2014, in February after he was arrested for possession of marijuana.
The Colts aren’t in the position to gamble in the draft because they currently only have six picks.
“Was I willing to take more risks in 2012 because everyone thought we were going to stink? Yes, sure,” Grigson said. “But you know what? I’ll say this: When you have only six picks, when you have limited resources -- meaning you don’t have an abundance of draft picks, you don’t have an abundance of cash -- you’ve got to really knock this out of the park.”
