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Colts 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Finding receivers early and late

ByJustin Bauerle|
Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver George Pickens (1) makes a diving catch while being guarded by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver George Pickens (1) makes a diving catch while being guarded by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) looks to pass as Tennessee offensive lineman Jerome Carvin (75) defends against Kentucky defensive end Josh Paschal (4) during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. Kns Tennessee Kentucky Football
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) looks to pass as Tennessee offensive lineman Jerome Carvin (75) defends against Kentucky defensive end Josh Paschal (4) during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. Kns Tennessee Kentucky Football

Colts trade back and select another EDGE

In a small trade-back scenario, the Colts move back two picks with the Denver Broncos. The Broncos receive the 73rd overall pick along with a 2023 3rd round pick and send the 57th overall, 96th overall, and the 145th overall picks to the Colts.

The Colts then use the 73rd overall pick to select Josh Paschal from Kentucky. Paschal’s draft stock has been climbing more since the NFL Combine, where he had a fairly solid outing.

Even after trading for Yannick Ngakoue and drafting Kwity Paye last year, Ballard strikes again at the position to hopefully find a solution. In the Ballard era, he has selected an EDGE rusher in the first three rounds in every year except 2020.

Indy only returns Tyquan Lewis this year in free agency and has let Al-Quadin Muhammad and Kemoko Turay walk. Depth is a key player on the Colts’ D-Line, so adding another solid rusher is going to help that.

Paschal adds to the long list of names that Ballard has drafted to solidify a need for the Colts’ defense. Since 2017, the Colts have drafted Tarell Basham, Kemoko Turay, Tyquan Lewis, Ben Banogu, Kwity Paye, and Dayo Odeyingbo to fill that need. Additionally, the Colts have drafted Grover Stewart and Rob Windsor for the interior.

It’s easy to figure out that the Colts have a strong focus on the trenches and they hit a home run with Paschal.

Colts add tight end depth to replace Jack Doyle

The 96th-overall pick is part of the trade that sent the 73rd pick to the Broncos. This is a name you likely haven’t heard much about, but the Colts snag Isaiah Likely in the third round even with Jelani Woods on the board.

In recent days, the Colts have met with Likely for interviews before the draft. The Colts have also met with several other tight ends, so I’d highly anticipate a tight end coming off the board early.

If Likely falls to the 96th pick, this would be incredible value in the third round. This would be a much-needed talent to add to Indy’s pass-catching room that is almost non-existent.

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