2023 Record: 9-8, missed the playoffs
Draft picks by round
1st round: no. 15
2nd round: no. 46
3rd round: no. 82
4th round: no. 117
5th round: no. 151
6th round: no. 191
7th round: no. 234
Main needs
Backup RB
Wide receiver
Security
Corner
Defensive Line/Run Stoppers
Tight finish
The Colts stayed home to address their biggest needs, re-signing wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and cornerback Kenny Moore II. They could look to the draft to continue adding at both positions.
On offense, surrounding second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson with weapons is a top priority, whether it’s adding another receiver to a strong room with Pittman and Josh Downs or a backcourt mate in Jonathan Taylor following the departure of Zack Moss. They would be excited to add a top-tier tight end if someone is available at No. 15 (see below).
On defense, safety was a shaky position, although they re-signed Julian Blackmon, according to a report from ESPN. Upgrading there and adding competition to the cornerback room would boost an average pass defense. A run defense that ranked 24th last season also needs help.
Best adjustments in the first round
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Best Day 2 Fits
TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
How they made the last draft
The Colts earned an A and made one of the biggest splashes of last season’s draft by selecting Richardson with the fourth pick. A tremendous athlete full of upside saw limited action last season before a shoulder injury ended his season early. The jury is still out, as the Colts hope Richardson can stay healthy and build on that potential in year two and beyond.
Julius Brents, a second-round pick, earned his starting spot at cornerback and showed an advantage when he was sidelined for nine games due to injuries. A third-round selection, Downs has emerged as a strong No. 2 receiving option alongside Pittman. This remains a promising class with significant question marks a year later.
Dream Fantasy Draft Pick
The Colts are set at QB, RB and WR, but have an opening at tight end, so Brock Bowers would be a great fit in Indy. Anthony Richardson remains raw as a passer, but this is a rushing attack from Shane Steichen who finished 11th in points per game last season under Gardner Minshew. Indianapolis has been a hot spot for Bowers in some mock drafts for a reason, and the rookie would make an immediate fantasy impact on a Colts team with little competition at tight end. – Dalton DelDon
