Colts Target Top Talent in 2nd Round

0:00On April 22nd, the Indianapolis Colts are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft without a first-round pick after trading it away for cornerback. Sausgardner, their first shot comes at pick 47 in the second round, so they're plotting to snack some top talent that slips past day one. It's all about getting creative to build that roster fast. Take Toledo Safety, Emmanuel McNeil Warren, a six-foot-three beast whose versatile and coverage and smashes runs. With Ohio State's Caleb Downs and Oregon's Dylan Thineman, likely going early at safety, he could tumble right into their lap. The Colts lost Nick Cross and free agency, and need a starter opposite cam by them, he'd slide in perfect. Then there's Texas A&M edge rusher Cassius Howe, a proven sack machine with 11 sacks last season leading his team. Sure, his arm length is just over 30 inches, shorter than most first-round edges, which might spook some teams. But Indy loves speed rushers and wouldn't blink. They plug him in day one. Don't sleep on Indiana-wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.,

1:02a local hero from Lawrence North High, who balled out in Indiana's national title run. Projections have him anywhere from the fourth to seventh receiver off the board, and with so many needs around the league, he might drop. He'd pair sweet with Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. If any of these hit pick 47, the Colts pounce hard, turning a draft setback into a steal, and reloading that defense and offense quick.