The Indianapolis Colts began the 2025 NFL Season at 7-1 and were very much in contention for the AFC South title and the AFC's top playoff seed, but injuries began to pile up, and the season was effectively over when Daniel Jones went down with a torn Achilles.
However, the 7-1 start should still give fans some optimism that the team can return to something like that in 2026. It's hard to win consistently in the NFL, so if nothing else, Indy does have the infrastructure in place to be a playoff team in 2026 and beyond.
But without a first-round pick in 2026, the front office has to be careful to ensure the biggest roster needs are taken care of. This post-Super Bowl mock draft could set the stage for the Colts to put the entire AFC on notice in 2026.
Indianapolis Colts go all-out to fill roster holes in updated NFL Mock Draft
47. Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
With Alec Pierce being in a position to likely price his way out of Indianapolis, the Colts could use their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft on a replacement in Chris Brazzell II. The Colts obviously do not have a first-round pick due to the Sauce Gardner trade, so each selection here for the front office is that much more important.
78. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Indianapolis has some notable free agent linebackers this offseason, so this position figures to be one of need in the offseason. Jacob Rodriguez is a bit undersized, but he's got high-end collegiate production and a ton of experience, which are two things teams absolutely look for when trying to find linebacker help in the NFL Draft.
113. Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
It's possible that the Colts could sign Trey Hendrickson in the offseason, as he and current defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo overlapped in Cincinnati for a few years, and the Colts need more pass-rush help, but if Super Bowl 60 told us anything, it's that a team can never have too many defensive linemen. Indy adds to the unit with Malachi Lawrence from UCF.
154. Lander Barton, LB, Utah
Drafting two linebackers might be a bit odd since it's a position that teams can fill in free agency, but the Colts have never really had high-end linebacker play in recent memory. Looking to fill this position with developmental prospects who have future starter potential is a wide idea. Lander Barton had 207 total tackles in 46 games for Utah in college.
216. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
This could be a fun pick. Drew Allar has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL, but he needs to be rebuilt from the ground up with his mechanics. Being the second or third-string quarterback for the Colts could do him a ton of good, especially with Shane Steichen running the show.
The very optimistic scenario here is that the Colts eventually develop Allar into a future starter, as he does genuinely have that upside, and it's a worthwhile shot to take at pick 216.
230. Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami (FL)
Nick Cross, George Odum, and Rodney Thomas are all free agents at safety this offseason. General Manager Chris Ballard invested big-time in the secondary last year and with the Gardner trade, so there's reason to believe he'll do what it takes to at least bring Cross back, but adding some depth to the room is a wise idea.
253. Aaron Hall, DT, Duke
Aaron Hall had 11 tackles for loss for Duke in 2025 and could be a rotational lineman on pass-rushing downs for the Colts.