2026 Draft thread

[Colts And Orioles]

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2026 NFL Draft: How All 32 Teams Can Ace Their Picks, Needs

(By Ben Solak)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/s...ns-needs-solak




Indianapolis Colts


Picks: l Nos. 47, 78, 113, 156, 214, 249, 254


Without a 1st-round pick in the next two drafts and with high expectations for AFC contention, GM Chris Ballard and the Colts need to be highly precise. Indianapolis has immediate needs at edge rusher, where it has length and power but no juice; linebacker, where journeyman Akeem Davis-Gaither and special-teamer Austin Ajiake are the current starters; and safety, where Juanyeh Thomas, Jonathan Owens and Hunter Wohler are the options to replace the outgoing Nick Cross.

It will be hard to go 3-for-3, and the Colts might need to adjust on the fly if a good tackle or receiver falls ...... they have needs at both spots and must stack the deck for QB Daniel Jones. Pick No. 47 could be a great spot to fill safety, as coordinator Lou Anarumo's defense needs savvy safeties for it to work. A.J. Haulcy (LSU) and Bud Clark (TCU) are natural fits in the box below Cam Bynum.

If the Colts pass on speed-rushers at No. 47, then Keyron Crawford (Auburn) and Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State) slide into range at No. 78. Linebacker is a deep position that could be filled at any time. Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas) has the sort of testing Ballard typically prioritizes at the position, but 47 would be too early, and 78 probably would be too late.

Because of the fact that the Colts are all-in on the Jones hand, they make sense as a trade-up team targeting pro-ready players who might slip for size or experience concerns. Ballard has typically prioritized developmental players above all else, but this is a year to attack short-term needs.



The Bottom Line: l Use Day 3 picks to trade up and fill immediate gaps at linebacker, safety and edge rusher ...... if a tackle or receiver falls, go for it.

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