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Originally Posted by Dam8610
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The Colts 7-Round 2026 Mock Draft: Tackling Big Needs at Defensive End, Linebacker
(By James Boyd)
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...26-gabe-jacas/
The Indianapolis Colts do not have a 1st-round pick for the first time since 2022. They traded that selection, a 2027 first-round pick and wide receiver AD Mitchell to the New York Jets for star cornerback Sauce Gardner in November. At the time, a move of that magnitude was somewhat justified given the team’s hot start to the 2025 season, but it ended like all the rest in recent years: without a playoff berth.
The Colts have missed the postseason for five straight years, tied for the third-longest drought in the NFL, and one could argue that the team has regressed this offseason. Sure, Indy’s top two players, quarterback Daniel Jones, who is recovering from a ruptured right Achilles tendon, and wide receiver Alec Pierce, were retained on lucrative contracts. But aside from those two, starter-level talent has been hard to come by after Indy parted ways with five starters and potentially a sixth if it’s able to fulfill cornerback Kenny Moore II’s trade request.
The Colts’ uninspiring free agency, in which general manager Chris Ballard acknowledged they whiffed on signing four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson, has placed a heavy emphasis on this year’s draft. The Colts have just seven selections, which will be their fewest since 2021 if they’re unable to gain more before or during the draft.
Round / Pick / Overall
2 ...... 15 ...... 47
3 .......14 ...... 78
4 ...... 13 ...... 113
5 ...... 16 ...... 156
6 ...... 33 ...... 214
) (Compensatory Pick)
7 ...... 33 ...... 249
) (Compensatory Pick)
7 ...... 38 ...... 354
) (Compensatory Pick)
We’re still a few days away from the real draft, but in the meantime, I did one last mock draft using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator and “The Beast,” colleague Dane Brugler’s draft guide. Here’s how I tried to bolster Indy’s flawed roster, which has glaring holes, particularly at defensive end and linebacker.
Round 2, No. 47: ) Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois
The Colts are banking on Laiatu Latu, who had 8.5 sacks last season, taking a big leap in his third season, but he can’t carry the team’s pass rush alone. In the absence of Kwity Paye, the starter who was opposite Latu last year and is now with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacas would be a solid replacement. The 6-foot-4, 261-pounder had 13.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and three forced fumbles en route to a 2025 second-team All-Big Ten nod.
Bruger's Analysis ) “Jacas won’t consistently outrace NFL tackles, but his powerful, proficient technique and aggressive play demeanor should translate well to the next level. He projects as a rotational edge defender.”
Round 3, No. 82 (via Vikings): ) Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
I traded back with the Minnesota Vikings, giving up the Nos. 78 and 254 selections for Nos. 82 and 163. Moving down four spots in the third round to exchange a seventh-round pick for a fifth-rounder is a no-brainer.
As for my pick at No. 82, Louis fills a notable hole in Indy’s roster. The team must replace at least one of its starting linebackers from last year after trading Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers. Louis offers the coverage skills to be a seamless fit in Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s system. The 6-foot, 220-pounder had six interceptions and 10 sacks combined over his last two years at Pittsburgh.
Bruger's Analysis ) “Louis is a difficult evaluation because he isn’t a traditional linebacker, but he brings value to the field with his range, instincts and man-coverage upside. Although he won’t be a fit for every scheme, he has a chance to shine for an NFL team with the right vision for his talent.”
Round 4, No. 113: ) Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
The Colts traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a sixth-round pick, mostly to create enough cap space to retain Pierce in free agency. Pittman led the Colts in catches in four of the last five years, so they’ll need someone to help replace his production. Lance, the younger brother of Los Angeles Chargers QB Trey Lance, would be a solid candidate. The 6-3, 204-pounder totaled 51 catches for 1,079 yards and eight TDs during his final season at FCS powerhouse North Dakota State.
Bruger's Analysis ) “Lance is a good-sized athlete and natural hands-catcher who requires route polish but adjusts well to the ball with physicality and body control. He projects as a rookie backup who should eventually compete for a starting role.”
Round 5, No. 156: ) Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
Moore’s trade request, which the Colts agreed to, according to league sources, has made cornerback perhaps a sneaky position of need in Indy. Assuming 2025 third-round pick Justin Walley replaces Moore, Neal could be a strong option to bolster the cornerback room. The 6-2, 203-pounder led Arkansas with 12 passes defensed and two picks last year.
Bruger's Analysis ) “Neal lacks top-shelf speed for easy recoveries, but he stands out with his length, ascending cover talent and ability to play the football from different angles. He has the potential to be an NFL starter for both man and zone teams.”
Round 5, No. 163 (via Vikings): ) Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan
Colts defensive tackles DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart are getting long in the tooth, so it can’t hurt to reinforce this position on Day 3. Benny’s college stats won’t wow anyone, totaling just three sacks combined over the last two years. But he earned third-team All-Big Ten honors after finally becoming a full-time starter in 2025. The 6-3, 298-pounder also has a “revving motor,” per Brugler, that has helped him garner the attention of NFL coaches.
Bruger's Analysis ) “Benny isn’t yet the sum of his parts, but he has athletic twitch with the size and arm length to be disruptive at the pro level. He has the talent to see the field as a rookie while an NFL staff coaches the rest out of him.”
Round 6, No. 214 (via Steelers): ) J’Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia
After the workload Jonathan Taylor had last year (372 touches), it would be wise for the Colts to backfill at running back. Indy hardly played another running back last season, and while Taylor held up, he has an injury history. J’Mari Taylor could be a viable relief option, especially considering his prowess as a pass catcher. The 5-10, 197-pounder amassed 98 catches for 882 yards and 10 TDs during his college career.
Bruger's Analysis ) “(J’Mari) Taylor runs with both the compass and contact balance to be a volume ball carrier in a zone scheme. His reliability on special teams and third downs will help determine his value once he gets into an NFL camp.”
Round 7, No. 249: ) Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame
This late in the draft, the Colts and other NFL teams are swinging on traits and upside. Wagner offers both after starting 24 games at right tackle over his last two years at Notre Dame. The 6-6, 306-pounder would need a lot of refinement to climb the depth chart, but Colts offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. has built a strong reputation for developing the less-heralded players in his room.
Bruger's Analysis ) “Wagner is an upright, stiff blocker, but his arm length, strain and light feet are saving graces and help him get the job done. He probably won’t offer enough consistency to be an NFL starter, but has enough talent to compete for a swing tackle role.”
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