This year's NFL trade deadline was one for the books, and the Indianapolis Colts came away with its top prize. In acquiring cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets, Indy went all-in on ensuring they are a Super Bowl contender right now and for years to come.
The Colts' paid a hefty price to bring in the 2-time All-Pro, but the way this season has gone made it well-worth the haul. At 7-2 and in prime playoff position, the Colts knew they needed to address a weak spot, and they did just that.
Now, Daniel Jones and the offense can rest even easier knowing that they have one of the NFL's best cornerbacks on the opposite side of the ball. But, after giving up a couple of first rounders to get Gardner, the Jets are in a spot now that demands Chris Ballard to get the most out of each pick in the coming drafts.
Let's start with a brand-new mock after the Colts went out and made the splash move for Gardner.
This 4-Round 2026 Colts mock draft loads up the defense even further after Sauce Gardner trade
The Colts' first pick comes in the second round in next year's draft, and they start by addressing another area in question by snagging a Georgia Bulldog defender. That's usually a good idea, and here, they go with linebacker CJ Allen.
Colts linebackers have struggled at times, this season, and getting some fresh blood via high capital should be a priority for Ballard. Allen is a young player, turning 21 in March, and is already beyond his years in coverage.
Allen has the tools to be a do-it-all type at the position and possesses top-tier athleticism. He can cover tight ends with ease but is also not afraid to get his hands dirty against the run. A sure tackler, Allen would be a welcomed addition.
The fun doesn't stop there, on defense, as the Colts go with yet another cornerback to help bolster that depth. Gardner was a high-profile get, but the Colts' inability to have sure depth at the corner positon for a few years, now, warrants a pick like this.
Illinois' Xavier Scott comes to Indy as a corner who offers versatility, being able to play both outside and in the slot. He is a physical player. You might even label him as "scrappy." Giving Lou Anarumo that physicality and positional flexibility will allow this team to go into next season with a padded group of depth in the secondary.
Speaking of secondary, the Colts once again stick on the defensive side of the ball in Round 4. This is just how the dominos fell, but it's also a spot Indy could upgrade their depth. Don't forget, we're talking about the seventh-worst pass defense as this is written. Secondary help is going to be a highlight if the defense keeps going at this rate.
Toledo standout safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren stands 6-foot-2 and brings elite size and aggression to the safety position. He is one of those guys who could go either late Day 2 or early Day 3, at this point, strictly because of his physical nature and ability to get after the ball in a variety of ways.
On his career, McNeil-Warren has totaled 8.5 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles, eight pass breakups, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown.