The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2020 NFL draft with several needs across the roster and while it isn’t a priority, there is a high chance they use one of their picks on an edge defender.

Starters: Justin Houston, Kemoko Turay

Backups: Ben Banogu, Al-Quadin Muhammad

Level of need: Moderate

Cap investment: $15.2 million (19th in NFL)

Quick review

The Colts defensive end room is currently led by Houston, who recorded 11.0 sacks in 2019. There is a lot of upside in both Turay and Banogu, but they will have to continue to show improvements as pass rushers. Muhammad provides solid depth but is limited as a pass rusher and is likely competing for a rotational role.

It is likely the Colts will add to the edge of the defensive line after bulking up the interior during free agency.

Draft preview

Class overview: The group of defensive ends and edge rushers is a peculiar one. Chase Young leads the way as an immaculate prospect but after him, there are questions and concerns with just about every prospect. That said, there can be some solid value found for the Colts on Days 2 and 3.

Best fit: Josh Uche, Michigan

There is the question as to where Uche will fit in a defensive scheme. Is he better suited working in an odd front from a stand-up position or would the Colts try to put his hand in the dirt? He could very well fit that SAM backer mold that would also allow him to rush from the edge at times. Uche has insane quickness and athleticism, length and bend to intrigue Chris Ballard greatly on Day 2.

Prospect to avoid: A.J. Epenesa, Iowa

This doesn’t have all that much to do with Epenesa as a prospect. He has a lot of strong qualities when it comes to production, length and size on the edge and his versatility to kick inside. That said, he is an underwhelming athlete and is likely only going to win with power at the next level. For where he is projected to go in drafts, the Colts can’t afford to take a prospect with limited upside as a pass rusher.

Sleeper prospect: Derrek Tuszka, North Dakota State

An insane athlete who brings burst and bend on the edge, Tuszka is an intriguing prospect for the Colts on Day 3. He comes from a smaller school so the competition will be a jump, but the upside is that Tuszka becomes a constant threat from the edge. He has to add some size to his frame, but his pass-rushing traits make him an interesting target on Day 3.

Other prospects: Terrell Lewis, Alabama Jabari Zuniga, Florida Khalid Kareem, Notre Dame Alex Highsmith, Charlotte D.J. Wonnum, South Carolina Julian Okwara, Notre Dame

Picks most likely used on an EDGE: Nos. 44, 75, 122, 160