Colts' Draft: Edge Rusher, Linebacker, Safety, WR, OL, RB

On April 1st, the NFL Draft hits Pittsburgh in less than a month, and the Indianapolis Colts are packing seven picks to tackle six big needs.

Top of the list is an edge-rusher to pair with Laïy Toulatou, then off-ball linebacker, wide receiver, safety, offensive line-deaf, and running-back.

Def. Fans are crossing fingers, they snag that edge guy before the clock starts ticking.

GM Chris Ballard faces real heat after mixed draft results.

Last year, Bra Homes runs like Josh Warren, solid singles from players like Quaidy Pay and Josh Downs, but plenty of question marks from injuries.

And, under performers.

He needs four or five hits this time around just to keep the seat warm.

Colts Nation is buzzing with cautious hope, knowing no teams ever fully stacked.

Pass vets at safety have panned out, and breakouts from current roster guys could ease the pain.

But everyone's eyeing those early picks to build a contender fast. Assuming they land an edge-rusher via trade or free agency, here's a smart mock.

Round 2. Pick 47 on a three-down linebacker.

Round 3. Pick 78 for a safety or hybrid.

Round 4. Pick 113 grabs a promising wide receiver.

Round 5. Pick 156 adds interior offensive line-deaf.

Late round, six and seven dart throws at running backs for special teams.

This class looks loaded at wide receiver, linebacker, and interior defensive line, which lines up perfect for Indy.

If Ballard nails enough gyms, the roster shapes up strong time to see if the hits outweigh the misses.