The brunt of free agency is complete, and we are onto NFL Draft talk for the Indianapolis Colts. Free agency this year saw a drastic change in strategy for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. For once, we saw Chris Ballard be aggressive and very forward with the team’s needs. There are still some needs at key positions, however, and it’s apparent that these will be the focus going forward, particularly in the draft.
This mock draft will be just the current picks on the board. I fully expect Ballard to move these picks around to acquire more as he always does. With that said, let’s dive into our first 7 round mock draft using some of the names from our compiled in season prospect list.
Round 1: Pick 14
Colston Loveland/TE-Michigan
I know, I know. Everyone wants Penn State Tight End Tyler Warren. He is a terrific player, but Loveland might be the best fit for this offense. Let’s also mention that Warren may not be available for Indianapolis at 14, either, as he is coveted by many teams.
I think both Warren and Loveland would be great in this offense but, for me, the deep ball element that Loveland can bring is what speaks to this pick. Loveland can separate both horizontally and vertically to help make an impact with Anthony Richardson. This part of the roster has been the most underwhelming, and needs some new infusion of talent. He can block at a high level as well, and can be a much-needed safety blanket in the passing game.
Round 2: Pick 45
Jihaad Campbell/LB- Alabama
A first-round talent might just fall into the lap of the Indianapolis Colts this year. Campbell revealed that he suffered a torn labrum and had surgery to repair it shortly after the combine. Whether he injured it at the season finale ReliaQuest Bowl or sometime in draft prep is unknown. There was talk that Campbell could have been the Colts top choice at 14 this year.
Go back to 2021, when Chris Ballard drafted Dayo Odeyingbo after suffering an Achilles injury, which caused him to drop on draft board. This could be the same scenario for the Colts. The need at linebacker is a pressing one. The Colts lost special teams ace and depth with the departure of Grant Stuard to Detroit. Current free agent EJ Speed is still just that: a free agent, and his return seems unlikely. Being able to get a first-round talent from an NFL factory will be too much to pass up for Ballard.