After a disappointing season, the Indianapolis Colts have a chance to jump-start their future in the 2023 NFL Draft. Which prospects could Indy land?
The Indianapolis Colts will pick within the top five of this year’s NFL draft. This marks the first time that Indy has picked within the top five since 2012 when the Colts selected Andrew Luck with the first overall pick. All signs point to the Colts once again drafting a quarterback in the first round. There are a couple of different possibilities for how that could happen. The Chicago Bears, currently holding the first pick in the draft, will most likely be looking to trade down. Indy could look to trade up if they feel strongly enough about a player.
There’s also the possibility that the Colts just stick with the fourth-overall pick. At worst, Indianapolis could end up with the third-best quarterback in the draft due to a few of the top teams not needing a quarterback. That could likely land the Colts CJ Stroud, Will Levis, or Anthony Richardson.
However, to secure a shot at Bryce Young and even possibly CJ Stroud, Indy will likely have to give up some major draft capital to move up. At a minimum, the Colts would likely have to give up the fourth-overall pick, this year’s second-round pick, and next year’s first-round pick. Indy would likely have to give up next year’s second-round pick as well. A couple of players could also be in play and would help Indy hold on to some of its draft capital.
For the sake of this mock draft, I will not be trading up in the first round. Mostly due to the fact that I would rather see who Indy could get with the fourth overall pick. The positional needs for Indianapolis going into the 2023 NFL Draft are quarterback, offensive line, edge rusher, cornerback, and wide receiver.
The offense took a major step back this past season. Indy could look to get rid of its higher-paid offensive lineman and go with a younger player. The left tackle position is still questionable with Bernhard Raimann having an inconsistent rookie campaign. The interior of the offensive line also had its struggles and will likely get addressed in the draft. So who will Indy be picking?