The Indianapolis Colts held their annual local pro day earlier this week, and the turnout was not only great to see in numbers but also carried a different feel compared to years past, thanks to the recent success of the Indiana Hoosiers football team.
The Hoosiers, led by projected No. 1 NFL draft pick Fernando Mendoza, won the NCAA championship back in January, the very first title the Hoosiers football team has won in its history. It was a stark turnaround from a team that in 2022 became the first college team to reach 700 losses; now, they're champions.
So when the Colts held their local pro day, many Hoosiers were expected to show, but what made this annual event different from others was that this one was likely the most talented pro day group the Hoosiers have ever presented, and at least two players could actually be on the Colts radar in the draft.
Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt remain intriguing options for the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL draft
College and Indiana standout wide receivers Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt were among the list of Hoosier champions to attend the Colts' pro day, although most were there simply for media sessions and conversations with members of the Colts.
Among the others who were in attendance were cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, center Pat Googan, and tight end Riley Nowakowski, while Mendoza was, unsurprisingly, not there. As for Cooper and Sarratt specifically, their presence has the potential to be more than just a local showing with mutual respect between the Hoosiers and Colts, but could lead to future pro partnerships.
Both Cooper and Sarratt may draw interest from the Colts in the draft, considering Indianapolis needs their wide receiver corps behind Alec Pierce. Josh Downs is the Colts' likely No. 2 wideout behind Pierce, but the Colts could draft at the position to create some competition behind Pierce, if not for another needed reason like depth at the position.
Before the Colts' local pro day, there was reported interest in the All-Big Ten 2025 season with 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, but Cooper was also the one who caught that memorable game-winning catch against Penn State last season, showing his skill and talent; both things the Colts could definitely use.
Both Cooper and Sarratt, who totaled 65 catches for 830 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, offer the Colts a different type of wide receiver from Pierce when it comes to size and strength. Pierce is more gifted with his versatility, finesse, and speed. The Colts need more size at wideout; however, leaving Sarratt and Cooper viable late draft options, if either is still on the board.
In any case, whether the Colts draft a local hero or not, it was quite the day in Indianapolis, and another way to celebrate the historic season the Hoosiers just completed. The now-former Hoosiers stars likely felt honored and will now move forward with their NFL careers, whether in Indianapolis or elsewhere.