Colts 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft 4.0: Post free-agency fixes

The Indianapolis Colts select EDGE Andre Carter II with the 79th overall pick in the third round

This is a pick of interest even after the signing of Ebukam during the free agency period. The Indianapolis Colts have had recent struggles at the defensive end position but could change that around with a pick like Andre Carter II.

The Colts have struggled to pressure the quarterback and always seem to be facing issues with key players on their defensive line. Investing an early pick in this position will help establish depth without having to force a player into a starting position when they still need time to grow and develop. This seems to be the perfect situation for Carter. He can sit behind Ebukam and Kwity Paye learning from them. He will get his chance to mix it up with Dayo Odeyingbo and Tyquan Lewis and could step up should one of these guys see an injury.

Carter weighed in at 256 pounds at the combine with a height of 6-foot-6 1/2". Apparently, when he came on to campus at West Point he only weighed 225 pounds. That is a significant jump in four years and shows that he's willing to put in the work in the weight room. He had his most productive season in 2021 ranking second in the FBS and setting a school record with 15.5 sacks. He rounded out that season with 44 total tackles, four forced fumbles, and even one interception. Carter saw more attention last season only registering three sacks with 37 total tackles.