2011 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 2, Pick 53

Our annual 2011 NFL Mock Draft, with picks made by each of SB Nation’s NFL team bloggers, is in full swing. The latest pick in to the podium: the Indianapolis Colts, at No. 53 overall.

Brad Wells of StampedeBlue.com explains the choice, and our own Dan Kadar reacts to it, after the jump. Make sure you’re grading this pick for the Colts, and checking out Stampede Blue for all of your Colts needs.

Brad Wells explains: With guys like Stephen Paea and Marvin Austin long off the board, it seemed a bit of a reach to go DT here, even though it is a pretty big need area for the Colts. If the rumors of the team having interest in Bears DT Tommie Harris are true, it offers some relief at DT, but doesn’t solve the overall problem.

However, regardless of who plays DT, the reality is safety is just as important to fill in this draft, and with Quinton Carter sitting there, it only makes sense to grab him.

At 6’2”, Carter would offer an imposing presence in the secondary - a presence the Colts haven’t had since Bob Sanders became brittle glass. Sanders is now gone (released and signed with the Chargers), and while Melvin Bullitt is a nice option at safety, the fact is he isn’t a long term option (especially with his shoulder issues and coming off a knee injury).

Strong safety is a very important position in the Tampa 2. Carter can thrive in Larry Coyer’s system, which took a step back last year due in part to the injuries at safety.

Dan Kadar reacts: Good safety play is a caveat requirement in the Indianapolis defense. At free safety, Carter is the best one after Rahim Moore. He’s a good all-around safety with nice size and athleticism. Carter is actually pretty similar to Bullitt in what they can do on the field, but Carter is probably better in every area. If Tommie Harris goes to Indianapolis as expected, there’s no reason to reach for a developmental tackle prospect. [Quinton Carter Scouting Report]