The NFL Draft is next week and the anticipation is being built as we approach the date. The Colts, of course, still have the same needs, if not more now. Multiple surprising roster changes have occurred, and we react to those in a new mock draft.
Round 1/Pick 14
Colston Loveland/TE-Michigan
Even with the mixed signals that the Colts are putting out about this pick, I cannot be talked into another position here. They have only talked to Loveland (and Warren) at the combine. They have not brought them in for Top 30 visits. They surprisingly re-signed Mo Alie-Cox, and maybe that’s a sign of them looking at a later prospect. At this point, no one knows.
What I do know is this. It’s a make-or-break year for Anthony Richardson and this entire staff. It just accentuates the need for them to acquire Colston Loveland. You want as many resources as possible for this quarterback and Loveland is a polished and complete tight end in the draft. I know Ballard is not a fan of trading up to get a prospect, but they missed out on Brock Bowers last season, and they cannot afford to do that again this season. If they must trade up to get him, then so be it. The same rings true for Tyler Warren, figure it out and get it done with either of these prospects.
Round 2/Pick 45
Donovan Jackson/Swing Lineman (G/T)-Ohio State
I know I have written that this is not as large of a concern, but it appears the Colts are looking at one early. While I think they are fine for this season, this is a pick they can use down the road. The Colts lost both Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency. Colts have the Kelly replacement, but with Braden Smith on an expiring (and re-worked) contract the need could be there for next season.
The key piece of the offensive line is Matt Goncalves and where they decide to put him. If he goes to guard, then Smith is set, but if they use Goncalves as depth behind Smith, then Jackson makes sense here. He is a swing lineman, and can play outside or inside. He brings all-important competition at both positions, as Ballard has made that known as the key aspect heading into off-season camps. Worth noting: Jackson was brought in last week to talk to the franchise on an official visit.