The NFL Draft is finally here! After another disappointing end to the season, this draft (as any) brings more urgency than ever. On top of it all, the Indianapolis Colts have already selected their first-round pick for the next two seasons.
That’s right, the Colts traded their first-round picks this season and in 2027, along with WR Adonai Mitchell, to the Jets for CB Sauce Gardner. At the time, a trade seemed to be the final piece of the inevitable playoff push. A playoff push that never came to fruition as the Colts lost Daniel Jones for the season, and with that, all hope. They stumbled and finished the season with 7 straight losses, missing the playoffs…again.
Without a first-round pick, it becomes difficult to focus on a certain player like most with first-round talent. The Colts have so many needs (especially defensively), and with the urgency of a win-now ultimatum from ownership, it’s another massive draft for the franchise. Let’s do a preverbal mock draft for this weekend’s NFL Draft, based on their draft spots as they currently stand. Without question, Chris Ballard and staff will make more moves to acquire more picks. Too many needs, not enough picks to fix them as it stands.
Round 2/Pick 47
Anthony Hill Jr/LB-Texas
So many options you can go here at pick 47, and I do believe that Ballard will move this pick to acquire another pick(s). Without question, they need to address the pass rush, but they are bare at linebacker. While I liked the acquisition of Akeem Davis-Gaither, it left much to be desired.
The Colts return Jaylon Carlies and Austin Ajiake, and that doesn’t bring too much excitement. Carlies is coming off an ankle injury, and Ajiake can fill in and is needed on special teams. The Colts desperately need a three-down linebacker that can also rush the passer. Anthony Hill Jr brings that and can likely start Week 1 in this scheme.
Round 3/Pick 78
Romello Height/DE-Texas Tech
I went back and forth here with Indiana product Elijah Surratt and Romello Height. While I think both are worthy of consideration here, you must read the room. The Colts have met with Romello Height on a Top 30 visit, and it’s truly a bigger need for them.
He’s a bit undersized but can disrupt the line of scrimmage. He recorded 10 sacks last season at Texas Tech and was among a few leaders who helped the team reach the College Football Playoff for the school.
Round 4/Pick 113
Jalon Kilgore/DB-South Carolina
The recent news about Kenny Moore’s trade request has shuffled some decisions here. The Colts’ cornerback room is looking better than it was last year, but even with Justin Walley set to return, some insurance could be needed.
Kilgore would be able to let Mooney Ward and Sauce Gardner line up on the outside and allow Walley to play the nickel. Kilgore can play either inside or at safety, allowing more time for healing if Walley is not fully healthy. If this franchise learned anything last year, it’s that you can never have enough players in the secondary.
Round 5/Pick 156
Pat Coogan/Center-Indiana
One offseason move that I felt was a sneaky loss for the Colts was Danny Pinter leaving for Baltimore. It wasn’t a talent issue; I think it was a playing time issue. Baltimore had a need at center, and Pinter can have an opportunity to start.
As Pinter exits, enter Rose Bowl MVP, Pat Coogan. Would I be surprised to see Coogan go sooner? I would not. He could start right away if needed for other teams. The Colts have interior lineman needs and a need for a center behind Tanor Bortolini. Tony Sparano Jr is one of the best at maximizing talent, and being able to be versatile is what the offensive line needs right now.
Round 6/Pick 214 (via Pittsburgh)
Jeff Caldwell/WR-Cincinnati
The former high school soccer player-turned-football receiver is exactly what the Colts need right now. I know we lost Michael Pittman Jr., and he was replaced by Nick Westbrook-Ikhene. NWH will not be the answer, but a mix of NWH and Caldwell could be a solution.
Caldwell has immense size at 6’5 and 216 with a 78” wingspan and a large catch radius. With the Colts asking Alec Pierce to be more than a vertical threat going forward, you can move Caldwell to that spot. He must improve his route running and his ability to bring the ball in better, but who better to teach that than Reggie Wayne?
Round 7/Pick 249
Kaleon Black/RB-Indiana
Is it just me, or do the Colts have a sneaky need for some competition at running back this season? Jonathan Taylor is not getting any younger, and he is in a contract year. The Colts used DJ Giddens sparsely, and the status of Ameer Abdullah’s return is unknown.
Most prospects at this point are dart throws to make the roster. Black is no different, but he worked well in a committee with Roman Hemby at Indiana last season. Black is not one who will catch it out of the backfield. What he can do is run vertically well and is terrific in pass protection. He would be a great compliment to Jonathan Taylor in this backfield.
Round 7/Pick 254
Nolan Rucci/OT-Penn State
Plenty of directions you could go with the final pick for this franchise. They could use more defensive linemen and linebackers. I think the Colts will bring back Germaine Pratt after the draft, and that’s why I go offensive lineman here with the final pick.
We talked about the need for interior help, and now the outside of the line is the focus. Blake Freeland has been underwhelming and is returning from injury. The rest of the depth is sparse, and some developmental guys are needed. Rucci is an experienced college player who has been praised for his work ethic and demeanor. Tony Sparano Jr can help him clean up his weaknesses, but the size and talent are there.
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