Colts' Draft Strategy: Defense and Offense

0:00On March 27, the Indianapolis Colts hid into the 2026 NFL Draft without a first round pick and several roster holes to plug. Especially on defense, General Manager Chris Ballard faces a tough spot after free agency, but nailing later picks could turn things around. The team chases its first divisional crown since 2014 and playoffs since 2020. Here's an early mock draft to fill those gaps. Starting in Round 2 at Pick 47, they grabbed linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas. He's athletic, with over 100 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks last year, plus coverage skills and experience from nearly 2,000 snaps. Meanwhile, Round 3 at 78 brings safety, Louis Moore from Indiana to replace free agent losses. Moore snags six picks last season with 90 tackles, giving immediate death behind unproven options like Juan Ye Thomas. Later rounds target edge pressure and depth. Round 4 at 113, Texas Tech's Ramello height with 10 sacks.

1:04Round 5, Speedy receiver Jeff Caldwell from Cincinnati. Round 6, massive tackle Travis Burke from Memphis. And two-seventh rounders, safety, Cole Wisniske and linebacker Khalil Jacobs, both within intriguing size and local ties. These selections hit defense hard while adding offensive upside, setting Ballard up to rebuild quietly and push for contention if the hit's land right.