Colts' Draft Strategy: Fixing Defense, Adding Depth

0:00On March 26, the Indianapolis Colts head into the 2026 NFL Draft, without a first-round pick after that big trade for Sauce Gardener. They're looking to fix holes as safety and linebacker, plus add depth at right tackle, all while working with later picks. General manager Chris Valored faces real pressure to turn things around after a disappointing finish to last season. In free agency, the team focused on keeping their own guys, like locking up quarterback Daniel Jones, and giving wide receiver Alec Pierce a big extension. They did snag a couple outside pieces, including receiver Nick Westbrook, Icon, and Ed Rusher Arden Key, but stay quiet on splashy moves. Fans know the linebacker group is the league's weakest right now, with unproven starters like a Keem Davis-Gaether and others. They also lost safety, Nick Cross and right tackle Braden Smith, leaving gaps that hurt their zone defense and run blocking. A recent mod draft from PFF shows how they might target prospects like safety AJ.

1:02Halsey from LSU in Round 2 for strong safety duties, then load up on linebackers. Kyle Lewis from Pittsburgh in Round 3, Deonte Lawson from Alabama in Round 4, and Harold Perkins Jr. from LSU in Round 6. They grabbed tackle Diego Pounds from Mississippi in Round 5, for depth and safety, Jalen Husky from Maryland in Round 7. These picks could bring young speed and playmakers to the defense, though the Colts might still need better in linebackers and camp to handle early downs, and stay competitive next fall.