Colts Trade Up on Day 2, Targeting Defense in 2026 NFL Draft

0:00It's April 24th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is NFL News Today, your AI-powered football briefing. The Indianapolis Colts kicked off the 2026 NFL draft without a first round pick after trading two future ones last November to snack star. Cornerback sauce gardener from the Jets. They also gave a wide receiver AD Mitchell in that deal, betting big on the 24-year-old, two-time all pro to lock down their secondary. Now on day two, the Colts hold picks at number 47 and 78, plus five more later. GM, Chris Baller says, they'll stay aggressive, but that means trading back to stockpile more selections rather than jumping up the board. Fans remember the last time Indy skipped round one back in 2022, they flipped picks for three mid-round gems that became starters like. Tackle Burnhard Ryman and receiver Alec Pierce, both now on huge extensions worth over 100 million each. This year ramps up the stakes with holes at defensive end and linebacker after losing quite a pay to free agency and Zaire Franklin in a trade.

1:06They've parted with five starters, maybe six if Kenny Morgan's moved, leaving real pressure to find impact guys from this draft's solid depth. Ballad shrubs off the draft class critics, insisting talent hides everywhere and with a five-year playoff dry spill and his contract winding down. Day two's their shot to prove it and build a contender.