Way-too-early 2024 mock drafts are being disrespectful to the Colts
The 2023 NFL Draft just concluded, and analysts are already looking forward to 2024. However, these early predictions aren’t promising for the Indianapolis Colts.
The cycle never stops in the NFL. Once the 2023 NFL Draft ended, draft experts quickly turned the page to the 2024 Draft. From prospect rankings to way-too-early mock drafts, the process for next year’s draft has already started.
In the way-too-early mock drafts that have already been released, there’s an interesting observation for the projection of the Indianapolis Colts, that can be taken as disrespect. It’s not who Indy is picking either, it’s where the Colts are selecting. Indianapolis is currently projected to have the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Colts projected to have No. 3 pick in 2024 NFL Draft
In Todd McShay’s way-too-early mock draft for ESPN, McShay has Indianapolis trading out of the No. 3 pick, exchanging with the Washington Commanders for pick No. 6. At six, McShay predicts Indy will select Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. Max Chadwick of PFF has the Colts sticking at No. 3 and drafting Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt.
Again, while both players are talented, it isn’t about who Indy selects in these way-too-early mock drafts, but where the Colts are projected to pick. Indianapolis just came off a disastrous season, and it only had the No. 4 pick. Now the Colts are being projected to pick one spot higher, which means the belief is that another bad season is in store.
The writers of these mock drafts made it clear that the draft order wasn’t their doing, opting to use Super Bowl odds to determine the order. So, Indy essentially has the third-worst odds to win next season’s Super Bowl. This is in line with recent power rankings that argue the Colts are the worst team in the NFL.
However, regardless of what power rankings or Super Bowl odds say, it’s unlikely that Indianapolis will finish next season with a top five pick. Yes, Anthony Richardson will need time to adjust to the NFL and develop, Shane Steichen will be a first-year head coach, and the offensive line is still a question mark. Even still, there are quite a few teams in worse shape than the Colts.
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