The 2024 NFL Draft is upon us, and the Indianapolis Colts enter with the no. 15 overall selection in the first round.
This offseason has been marked by the Colts retaining their own talented players, rewarding those they've already invested in and establishing a culture of continuity. Now, it's time to continue building on that.
There are many routes the Colts could choose to go in the first round with their current pick, but what if Indianapolis decided to make a big, bold move upward? Think about it. They've done everything to show faith in Anthony Richardson. Why not make one splash move to put a stamp on that notion of faith?
The Colts have their eyes on Rome Odunze in this final 2024 mock draft
Indy wants to move up eight spots in the first round, and they do so with a division rival, sending a 2025 second rounder and a fourth-round pick this year over to Tennessee.
With that seventh overall selection, the Colts opt to go with one of the best offensive weapons in the draft, selecting Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze. In many other draft classes, Odunze might be the best available wide receiver. It just so happens that he's in a class featuring Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers.
Odunze, though, is going to be a Pro Bowl type talent in this league. He's often compared to a guy like Keenan Allen, possessing excellent hands and body control. He's the complete package, doing a lot of things at a high level. At 6-foot-3, Odunze lives to fight for the football. He takes 50/50 balls as serious as anyone, and he doesn't lose very many of them.
The Colts already love Michael Pittman Jr., but Odunze is good enough that he might even surpass Pittman as the team's top wide receiver within the first couple of seasons. And, that would be a good "problem" for the Colts to have.
In Round 2, the Colts try their hand at finding another outside cornerback with starting capabilities. Re-signing Kenny Moore was a huge win, as the Colts were able to retain arguably the top nickel corner in the game today. But, adding another outside corner should be priority for this defense as well.
Iowa State's T.J. Tampa is one of the better Day 2 prospects and very well could come in and start right away. At 6-foot-1, Tampa has top-tier size and length while playing a physical brand of ball. He's very much like Odunze, but at the opposite position. Tampa is going to will his way into making a play on the football and disallow catches more often than not.
He isn't going to keep up with the burners, by any means, but Tampa thrives more when using his instincts. Reading quarterbacks eyes and staying with receivers on underneath/intermediate routes is where he wins.
Tampa will also prove to be a willing run defender at the NFL level. His instincts and physical level of play are going to help him become a staple in that department as well.
In the third round, the Colts add another pass rusher to what's become more of a team-focused effort. Indy doesn't have a true, standout edge rusher on this team. But, they've done a great job getting to the quarterback as a unit. And, Clemson's Xavier Thomas will prove to be another notch in the Colts' belt of pass rushers.
A little undersized at 6-foot-2, 244 pounds, Thomas wins more with effort and his intense level of play than anything else. This is why he'll deliver as a rotational guy, first and foremost. He has the motor of a future starter, but Thomas will need to add a little more mass to his frame.
We have often talked about how the Colts would love to solidify the tight end position and see someone step into a legitimate TE1 role. It could be Jelani Woods this year, but the Colts might also use a draft pick on a guy like Florida State's Jaheim Bell.
Bell comes in as a mid-round prospect with some potential to be a gadget type at the position. He's 6-foot-2, so another guy who is a tad undersized. But, he shows promise after the catch and as a guy who can run the seams. Even as a TE2 in the passing game and as an effective blocker, Bell is a good value here in Round 5.
Round 6 sees the Colts add another cornerback to the mix. This time, it's TCU's Josh Newton, who has positional versatility and can play either inside or outside. God forbid Kenny Moore ever went down to injury, Newton could be one to step in there. Otherwise, Newton's skillset allows him to play outside, too.
He isn't the fastest at his position, so he's not one you want to put into single coverage on a speedy type. But, Newton uses instincts and his first five yards to his advantage. He's an in-your-face type that makes those first few yards difficult on his opposing man. Newton will also be effective in run support.
With their last pick, the Colts add to the secondary once again. Mississippi safety Daijahn Anthony comes in with great size, standing six feet, 195 pounds and bringing overall versatility to the safety group. He's shown an ability to play more nickel, too, if need be. But, he's a hard-hitting safety who will bring the thunder, especially across the middle and against the run. Anthony isn't one you'll want as the last resort on a deep play, so he's limited in that fashion. But, he'll make a positive impact as a reserve or special teamer, at the very least.