Colts' Draft Strategy: Filling Holes Without Top Pick

0:00On April 23rd, the Indianapolis Colts are rolling into the 2026 NFL draft without a first-round pick, traded away to the New York Jets. For cornerback, Sasgardner. That slot sits at number 16 overall, but Indy starts their haul at Round 2. Pick 47 was six more picks through Round 7. After a promising start last season with Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor balling out, injuries derailed everything, but big extensions for Jones and Alec Pierce have folks hopeful again. Earlier this off-season, the Colts dropped serious cash on free agents, so those cheap rookie contracts could be game-changers for building depth. They lost edge-rush or quitting pay, without a real replacement, traded tackling beasts zyre Franklin to the Packers, and shipped wide-out Michael Pittman. Junior to the Steelers, leaving gaps at edge, linebacker and receiver. Fans are buzzing about how Indy fills those holes without top-tier ammo, especially since no first-rounder means hunting value in the mid-round.

1:00The pressure is on to Snag starters who can contribute day one, turning that draft capital into contenders alongside their star extensions. One mock draft has them grabbing Texas A&M Gart Center, chased by Santis in Round 2, then layering in defensive tackle Grayson Halton, wide-out, Brett and Thompson, and Edge Max LaWellon later. The draft kicks off Thursday, April 23rd, with rounds 2 and 3 Friday and the rest Saturday. With the jets cashing in on that pick and Indy's needs stacking up, keep eyes peeled on how they maneuver, could be the spark to get this squad back on, track for 2026. Stay locked in with NFL News Today, AI-powered updates.