The Indianapolis Colts have already bolstered their defensive line when they added superstar pass rusher DeForest Buckner in exchange for a first-round pick.
It sounds like the Colts are not done adding d-line talent just yet.
Indy is reportedly interested in South Dakota defensive lineman Kameron Cline.
How would Cline fit on the current Colts roster and would he be a good fit for Indy?
I interviewed South Dakota DT Kameron Cline (@kameron_cline) for @TheDraftWire. The #Colts, #Vikings & #Texans are showing lots of interest.https://t.co/jCZVUbQkXA#NFLDraft
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 4, 2020
Who is Kameron Cline?
Cline has spent each of the last four years at South Dakota.
His numbers don’t exactly fly off the stat sheet, but he had a fairly strong college career.
Cline’s first season at South Dakota started off slow when he finished with 23 tackles and two sacks through 11 games.
His sophomore campaign was when his career really started to kick off.
Cline recorded 40 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and he recovered a fumble through 13 games (11 starts) at South Dakota.
Unfortunately, Cline’s junior season he was only able to play in seven games, but he recorded 7.5 tackles for loss that season.
The 2019 season was when Cline really made a name for himself.
He finished with 36 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and four sacks through 12 games (10 starts) during his senior season at South Dakota.
Should the Colts Take Cline?
He does not have eye-popping numbers, but the Colts could use some depth at defensive line.
Cline has already reportedly spoken with the Colts and had a top-30 visit scheduled with the team.
He has also spoken with other organizations, but having a top-30 visit is a big deal for a player from a smaller college.
Outside of Buckner and Justin Houston the Colts don’t have much reliable depth at the defensive line spot.
Bringing in a guy like Cline could be a good idea for the organization.
Indy doesn’t have a ton of cap space left, so they will likely try to fill most of their needs through the NFL Draft.
Cline could potentially be a good fit for Indy, but we’ll see how the draft plays out.
Make that TWO sacks here in the first half! 👊 Kameron Cline gets the sack on the SDSU QB and the Jacks are to punt here next.#GoYotes | #WeAreSouthDakota 🐾 pic.twitter.com/J9eaemUPGt
— South Dakota Football (@SDCoyotesFB) November 23, 2019
When Would the Colts Take Cline?
The Colts have more concerns other than defensive line heading into the draft.
They need wide receiver depth, another tight end, and some depth at corner back and offensive line as well.
Indy has limited draft picks and already moved their first round pick in exchange for Buckner earlier this offseason.
Cline had a solid college career, but he isn’t someone that is expected to go early in the draft.
There’s a good chance that Cline is still available on Day 3 of the draft.
He’s received some attention from organizations, but there is too much talent ahead of him.
Cline is someone that the Colts could target in the last couple of rounds.
Otherwise, Indy could always sign Cline after the draft if he goes undrafted.
The Colts need help at defensive line, but there are bigger holes on the team right now.
Indy needs to focus on patching those before they use a draft pick on backup defensive line.
Cline could have a spot in Indy, but it might not happen until later in the draft.
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