Colts Mock Draft: Rodriguez & Barham

0:00On April 24, in his latest day-to-mock draft for the 2026 NFL draft, Lance Zeerling projects the Indianapolis Colts grabbing Texas. Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez at the 47th overall pick and Michigan edge-resher, Jai Shan Barm at the 78th. This comes just hours before teams hit the clock again on Friday night. Rodriguez, a 6'1, 231 pound senior, balled out with 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4 picks, and 7 forced fumbles over 14 starts last season. He snagged unanimous all-American nods, big 12 defensive player of the year, and repeat all big 12 honors, putting him as the 42nd. Best prospect per Daniel Jeremiah. Jeremiah calls Rodriguez a polished off-ball linebacker with killer instincts against the run, great range, and a knack for stripping the ball-hees, got 13 career-forced fumbles, Rodriguez solid in zones, though man-matching has some rough edges.

1:02For the Colts, he's a plug-and-play starter on the second level. Meanwhile, Barm stands six with three-and-a-half, 240 pounds, with long 32 and 3-8 inch arms. The former Maryland freshman all-American posted 32 tackles, 10 for loss, 4 sacks, and a 4-spumble in 12 starts. Jeremiah ranks him 77th overall, praising his explosiveness and versatility as a developmental edge guy. These picks could fill two huge holes for Indy, beefing up linebacker depth and edge rotation in Lou Anorumo's scheme, right as the real draft drama. Unfold.