What direction will Colts go after the first round of the draft?
The Indianapolis Colts are expected to take a quarterback in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but what direction will they go with their next picks?
Leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, the majority of conversations have been centered around the top quarterback prospects and quarterback-needy teams like the Indianapolis Colts. Unless any teams make a shocking selection, Indianapolis will likely be selecting the third or fourth quarterback of the draft with the No. 4 overall pick.
That’s expected. Now everyone is trying to predict which quarterback it’s going to be. What’s unclear is what the Colts plan to do after they select their quarterback. When Indianapolis is back on the clock at the top of the second round, what direction will the team go? Will Indy go after a lineman, receiver, or cornerback?
Todd McShay made his prediction in a recent two-round mock draft for ESPN. In the first round, McShay projected the Colts trading up to No. 3 to select quarterback Anthony Richardson. Indianapolis was able to keep their 2023 second-round pick in the trade. So in the second round, McShay predicts that Indy will go to the defensive side of the ball and select cornerback Julius Brents from Kansas State.
Colts select Julius Brents in the second round of ESPN mock draft
After trading Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys, and losing Brandon Facyson in free agency to the Las Vegas Raiders, Indy only has Isaiah Rodgers Sr. and Dallis Flowers at cornerback. While Indianapolis believes in Rodgers and Flowers, the team still needs help at corner, and McShay believes Julius Brents can be that help.
Julius Brents played four years in college, two years at Iowa and two years at Kansas State. Throughout his career, he recorded six interceptions, 10 pass deflections, and 111 tackles. McShay pointed out that “Brents stood out at the Senior Bowl and then wowed during combine drills, posting wild 41.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-6 broad jumps.” McShay also highlighted that Brents is a long corner that excels in press coverage.
He’ll certainly be a great addition for the Colts, and would provide the cornerback room with some depth. However, Indianapolis could opt to select an offensive linemen since the line hasn’t been addressed yet.