If there is a particular position the Indianapolis Colts must attend to this offseason, quarterback would be the most likely answer, considering Daniel Jones's current situation, and his readiness for next season in the air. However, the Colts are hurting elsewhere, and that is where GM Chris Ballard has to hit at least one home run this offseason via the draft.
The other position group is the Colts' defense, which is in dire need of upgrades, especially on the defensive line and linebacker units. Ballard is on record saying he wants to go hunting for youth and speed on defense, specifically noting the Colts need "more fuel" there.
Unfortunately, the Colts find themselves in a bind this summer, having zero first-round draft picks at their disposal, leaving the second and third rounds as their only shots at drafting what they so desperately need. With that in mind, at least three key college players are entering the draft that Indy could have selected, but won't be able to.
Colts will miss out on key defensive options in this summer's draft, and Texas A&M's Cashius Howell is one
Cashius Howell, EDGE
Bolstering the defensive line is an area of opportunity for the Colts this offseason, and it's unlikely that Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell will be long gone off the board once Indy gets its first pick.
Howell would have provided the Colts with a threatening edge rusher who was solid against the run in college. Howell had 41 pressures last season with the Aggies, including 12 sacks. Over three college seasons, he had a 90+ pass-rush grade, and his versatility as a defender allowed him to drop into coverage also.
Caleb Banks, DT
The 6'6" and 300-pound Florida Gator would have been a solid draft pick up for the Colts, as Caleb Banks brings with him a significant interior presence and the ability to get to the quarterback. He recorded 53 total pressures and six sacks between the 2023-24 college seasons, but only played in three games this past year.
Banks' size and strength have the potential to terrorize an opponent's offensive line, which is something the Colts need going into next season. He is projected as a top-10 pick, so he will also be off the board for the Colts.
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE
Another edge rusher the Colts could have had available to them, but will miss out because Akheem Mesidor is more than likely gone in the first round. Mesidor had a breakout year in 2025 with the Miami Hurricanes, who played in the championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers.
He recorded 67 pressures and 13 sacks last season and was one of the highest-rated run defenders, according to Pro Football Focus.
Zion Young, EDGE
Another edge rusher Indy could have used is Zion Young out of Missouri. Similar to Mesidor, Young also experiences a breakout 2025 season, and he is a projected first-round pick after a solid Senior Bowl performance.
The Tiger had 56 pressures and eight sacks this past season, and in the Senior Bowl, Young forced one fumble and recorded two tackles en route to winning top honors for the game.
Anthony Hill, LB
It's not just edge rushers the Colts are potentially missing out on; they're also potentially missing out on a strong linebacker in Anthony Hill out of Texas. In three years with the Longhorns, Hill recorded 60 quarterback pressures and 227 total tackles, including three interceptions and two pass breakups.
Hill could have helped fill a hole in the Colts' linebacker group, especially if they decide to let Germaine Pratt walk in free agency this summer. Hill was strong on the blitz in Texas, and with Ballard wanting to add more speed and youth to the Colts' defense, Hill would have made for an intriguing draft pick.