Colts' Draft Strategy: Building Depth Without First-Rounder

0:00On April 20th Indianapolis Colts heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with seven picks, but no first rounder after trading for Saas Gardiner. And other moves like the Pittman deal with the Steelers. They started Round 2, Pick 47, then Round 3, Pick 78, Round 4 Pick 113, Round 5 Pick 156, Round 6. Pick 214 from Pittsburgh and two 7th rounders at 249 and 254. Those extra 7th round picks are compensatory, and they lost their original one in the trade. GM Chris Ballard is eyeing trades back to stack up more capital, building depth without that top pick. Fans and analysts see the Colts needing boosts at wide receiver, where Alec Pierce and Josh Downs lead, but the third spot is wide open between guys. Like Nick Westbrook Akhan and Ashton Doolinmore, competition could lift the whole group. On defense, they're thin at defensive end around Laetu Latu, with Arden Ki and others needing a high impact partner, tough without Round 1, so expect Day 3 adds for depth.

1:07Linebacker scream for experience too. Akeem Davis-Gather helps, but the room lacks bets, so Ballard might double dip there big time. With Draft Week buzzing, keep watching how Ballard flips these picks into roster upgrades that push the Colts deeper into playoffs.