Colts' Draft Blueprint: Edge, LB, Safety

0:00On April 17th, the Indianapolis Colts are staring down a make or break 2026 NFL draft with no first round pick after trading for, cornerback sauce gardener last year. They're in full-win now mode after missing the playoffs five straight years and the heat is on general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen to deliver contention in the AFC right away. ESPN analyst Ben Solick laid out a blueprint for them to nail this draft despite the handicap, stressing precision since they also lack a first rounder. Next year too, he's zeroes in on urgent holes at Edge Russia where they need more explosion, linebacker after losing key starters and safety following the crosses, departure. Fans and scouts agree, those spots screened for instant impact guys, but some pushback saying, Edge lacks both power and speed now with free agents like Quitte Paye Gone, leaving finesse types like Lai Tu Latu as the top options. Mindbacker feels thin with just the keen Davis, Gather holding it down while safety has vets

1:03like Jonathan Owens, but no clear star next to Cam Bynum. Solick suggests, snagging savvy safeties like AJ, Halsey or Bud Clark at Pick 47, explosive edges like Keyron Crawford around 78, and linebackers such as Anthony Hill Jr. later. Since that position runs deep, he also flags chances to pivot for tackle or receiver if values drop, maybe trading up on day 3 to stack talent around quarterback Daniel Jones. With a draft kicking off Thursday, April 23rd through Saturday the 25th, Ballard might lean trade downs to build volume, but nailing. These mid-round gems could flip the Colt's defense and get them back in the hunt fast.