2026 Draft thread

[Dam8610]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...26-gabe-jacas/

I mean that's pretty much the dream.

[Colts And Orioles]

Originally Posted by Dam8610

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...26-gabe-jacas/


I mean, that's pretty much the dream.

o


The Colts 7-Round 2026 Mock Draft: Tackling Big Needs at Defensive End, Linebacker

(By James Boyd)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...26-gabe-jacas/


The Indianapolis Colts do not have a 1st-round pick for the first time since 2022. They traded that selection, a 2027 first-round pick and wide receiver AD Mitchell to the New York Jets for star cornerback Sauce Gardner in November. At the time, a move of that magnitude was somewhat justified given the team’s hot start to the 2025 season, but it ended like all the rest in recent years: without a playoff berth.

The Colts have missed the postseason for five straight years, tied for the third-longest drought in the NFL, and one could argue that the team has regressed this offseason. Sure, Indy’s top two players, quarterback Daniel Jones, who is recovering from a ruptured right Achilles tendon, and wide receiver Alec Pierce, were retained on lucrative contracts. But aside from those two, starter-level talent has been hard to come by after Indy parted ways with five starters and potentially a sixth if it’s able to fulfill cornerback Kenny Moore II’s trade request.

The Colts’ uninspiring free agency, in which general manager Chris Ballard acknowledged they whiffed on signing four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson, has placed a heavy emphasis on this year’s draft. The Colts have just seven selections, which will be their fewest since 2021 if they’re unable to gain more before or during the draft.



Round / Pick / Overall



2 ...... 15 ...... 47


3 .......14 ...... 78


4 ...... 13 ...... 113


5 ...... 16 ...... 156


6 ...... 33 ...... 214 ) (Compensatory Pick)


7 ...... 33 ...... 249 ) (Compensatory Pick)


7 ...... 38 ...... 354 ) (Compensatory Pick)




We’re still a few days away from the real draft, but in the meantime, I did one last mock draft using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator and “The Beast,” colleague Dane Brugler’s draft guide. Here’s how I tried to bolster Indy’s flawed roster, which has glaring holes, particularly at defensive end and linebacker.



Round 2, No. 47: ) Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois

The Colts are banking on Laiatu Latu, who had 8.5 sacks last season, taking a big leap in his third season, but he can’t carry the team’s pass rush alone. In the absence of Kwity Paye, the starter who was opposite Latu last year and is now with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacas would be a solid replacement. The 6-foot-4, 261-pounder had 13.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and three forced fumbles en route to a 2025 second-team All-Big Ten nod.

Bruger's Analysis ) “Jacas won’t consistently outrace NFL tackles, but his powerful, proficient technique and aggressive play demeanor should translate well to the next level. He projects as a rotational edge defender.”



Round 3, No. 82 (via Vikings): ) Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh

I traded back with the Minnesota Vikings, giving up the Nos. 78 and 254 selections for Nos. 82 and 163. Moving down four spots in the third round to exchange a seventh-round pick for a fifth-rounder is a no-brainer.

As for my pick at No. 82, Louis fills a notable hole in Indy’s roster. The team must replace at least one of its starting linebackers from last year after trading Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers. Louis offers the coverage skills to be a seamless fit in Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s system. The 6-foot, 220-pounder had six interceptions and 10 sacks combined over his last two years at Pittsburgh.

Bruger's Analysis ) “Louis is a difficult evaluation because he isn’t a traditional linebacker, but he brings value to the field with his range, instincts and man-coverage upside. Although he won’t be a fit for every scheme, he has a chance to shine for an NFL team with the right vision for his talent.”



Round 4, No. 113: ) Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

The Colts traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a sixth-round pick, mostly to create enough cap space to retain Pierce in free agency. Pittman led the Colts in catches in four of the last five years, so they’ll need someone to help replace his production. Lance, the younger brother of Los Angeles Chargers QB Trey Lance, would be a solid candidate. The 6-3, 204-pounder totaled 51 catches for 1,079 yards and eight TDs during his final season at FCS powerhouse North Dakota State.

Bruger's Analysis ) “Lance is a good-sized athlete and natural hands-catcher who requires route polish but adjusts well to the ball with physicality and body control. He projects as a rookie backup who should eventually compete for a starting role.”



Round 5, No. 156: ) Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas

Moore’s trade request, which the Colts agreed to, according to league sources, has made cornerback perhaps a sneaky position of need in Indy. Assuming 2025 third-round pick Justin Walley replaces Moore, Neal could be a strong option to bolster the cornerback room. The 6-2, 203-pounder led Arkansas with 12 passes defensed and two picks last year.

Bruger's Analysis ) “Neal lacks top-shelf speed for easy recoveries, but he stands out with his length, ascending cover talent and ability to play the football from different angles. He has the potential to be an NFL starter for both man and zone teams.”



Round 5, No. 163 (via Vikings): ) Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan

Colts defensive tackles DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart are getting long in the tooth, so it can’t hurt to reinforce this position on Day 3. Benny’s college stats won’t wow anyone, totaling just three sacks combined over the last two years. But he earned third-team All-Big Ten honors after finally becoming a full-time starter in 2025. The 6-3, 298-pounder also has a “revving motor,” per Brugler, that has helped him garner the attention of NFL coaches.

Bruger's Analysis ) “Benny isn’t yet the sum of his parts, but he has athletic twitch with the size and arm length to be disruptive at the pro level. He has the talent to see the field as a rookie while an NFL staff coaches the rest out of him.”



Round 6, No. 214 (via Steelers): ) J’Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia


After the workload Jonathan Taylor had last year (372 touches), it would be wise for the Colts to backfill at running back. Indy hardly played another running back last season, and while Taylor held up, he has an injury history. J’Mari Taylor could be a viable relief option, especially considering his prowess as a pass catcher. The 5-10, 197-pounder amassed 98 catches for 882 yards and 10 TDs during his college career.

Bruger's Analysis ) “(J’Mari) Taylor runs with both the compass and contact balance to be a volume ball carrier in a zone scheme. His reliability on special teams and third downs will help determine his value once he gets into an NFL camp.”



Round 7, No. 249: ) Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame

This late in the draft, the Colts and other NFL teams are swinging on traits and upside. Wagner offers both after starting 24 games at right tackle over his last two years at Notre Dame. The 6-6, 306-pounder would need a lot of refinement to climb the depth chart, but Colts offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. has built a strong reputation for developing the less-heralded players in his room.

Bruger's Analysis ) “Wagner is an upright, stiff blocker, but his arm length, strain and light feet are saving graces and help him get the job done. He probably won’t offer enough consistency to be an NFL starter, but has enough talent to compete for a swing tackle role.”

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


2026 NFL Draft: Ranking the 100 Best Picks, Steals, Fits

(By Matt Miller)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/s...am-fits-trades



**********************************



No. 15: C. J. Allen, LB, Colts )) Pick 2-53


My Final Overall Ranking: No. 41


Linebacker was one of Colts' biggest needs, and GM Chris Ballard added a downhill thumper with good coverage ability. Allen was once seen as a potential first-round talent, and Indianapolis hopes he'll become its next Shaquille Leonard-level linebacker. To get a value of 12 picks only adds to the praise this selection should receive. Checking off a crucial need without a first-round pick, and doing so with a player many had in the top 32 when the season ended, is good drafting. Allen and fellow rookie Bryce Boettcher will be fun to watch develop, with Allen expected to crack the starting lineup early in the 2026 season.



No. 20: A. J. Haulcy, S, Colts )) Pick 3-78


My Final Overall Ranking: No. 60


All draft analysts have a player or two whose play they fall in love with. That was Haulcy for me. At 6-foot, 215 pounds and built like a linebacker, Haulcy looks like a safety who should be in the box on 90% of his snaps, but he dropped into deep coverage and picked off passes in pressure situations for LSU. He can also play in the box and stack up against the run. He'll combine with Cam Bynum to form a reliable back-end duo with a ton of speed and big-play potential.



No. 72: Jalen Farmer, G, Colts )) Pick 4-113


My Final Overall Ranking: No. 99


Farmer won't start immediately, but we love teams that draft for the future. And it has to be pointed out that Quenton Nelson has just one year left on his deal and is 30 years old. The hope is that Nelson will be back in Indianapolis long term and will remain one of the NFL's best guards, but Farmer could be the next man up at either guard spot given his college experience at right guard.



No. 86: Caden Curry, Edge, Colts )) Pick 6-214


My Final Overall Ranking: No. 133


During commercial breaks on Day 3, we often talked about when Curry would go. The Colts ended his slide toward the end of Round 6 to get one of the best value picks of the day. At 6-2, Curry lacks length but has power in his game and should provide a version of what the Colts got from Kwity Paye last season. Curry has to work to move up the edge rotation, but the Colts should be thrilled to get a player who had 11 sacks last season in a stifling, pro-style Ohio State defense led by former NFL coach Matt Patricia.



No. 92: Deion Burks, WR, Colts )) Pick 7-254


My Final Overall Ranking: No. 108


Burks' Day 3 fall was a massive surprise, as he sat atop my "best available" list for hours. He's undersized but has slot potential and should be able to help in the return game. Though Josh Downs is a rock-solid slot, the Colts need depth at receiver after trading Michael Pittman Jr. in the offseason and with Alec Pierce recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Burks' special teams ability gives him a legitimate shot to make an early impact despite his draft status.

o

[Oldcolt]

I sure hope this guy is right, especially about the first two. We need to hit on Allen and Haulcy if this defense is going to take a step

[Puck]

Originally Posted by Oldcolt

I sure hope this guy is right, especially about the first two. We need to hit on Allen and Haulcy if this defense is going to take a step

I think Curry is the one that may surprise people

[Oldcolt]

Originally Posted by Puck

I think Curry is the one that may surprise people

As a believer in the football gods, they owe us a decent pass rusher after all we have been through as a team trying to draft one. Every once in a blue moon one of these middle round picks hit. If not that then I'll take blind luck but we need pass rush help.

[Hoopsdoc]

Originally Posted by Puck

I think Curry is the one that may surprise people

Hopefully he will. Maybe Ballard did a George Costanza and started doing everything the opposite because Curry is a guy Ballard of old would NEVER have drafted.

Personally, I much prefer taking a chance on a guy like Curry who has actually been good at football than a guy like Turay who had all the measurables but was just bad at playing the game.

[IndyNorm]

Originally Posted by Hoopsdoc

Hopefully he will. Maybe Ballard did a George Costanza and started doing everything the opposite because Curry is a guy Ballard of old would NEVER have drafted.

Personally, I much prefer taking a chance on a guy like Curry who has actually been good at football than a guy like Turay who had all the measurables but was just bad at playing the game.

Mostly agree on your Curry and Turay take. Although I wouldn't mind us taking 6th round flyers on players like Turay. The big problem is that Ballard's dumbass threw away a 2nd rounder on him.

[omahacolt]

Originally Posted by Puck

I think Curry is the one that may surprise people

always rooting for the white guys.



just fucking with you. I was surprised curry was there when we picked him. I liked that pick

[Colts And Orioles]

o


No 1st-Round Pick ??? The Colts Still Had One of the Most Valuable 2026 NFL Draft Results

(By Scott Horner)

https://www.indystar.com/story/sport...s/90376179007/



******** ))) Analysts from Sharp-Football-Analysis rated the Indianapolis Colts' 2026 draft class highly.

******** ))) Ryan McCrystal of Sharp-Football-Analysis gave the Colts' draft an A- grade.

******** ))) Several draftees, including A.J. Haulcy and Jalen Farmer, are seen as potential immediate starters or best value picks.


How many 2026 Indianapolis Colts draft picks can you identify ??? Without a 1st-round pick, they weren't in position to grab a big name.

That doesn't mean that the Colts had a bad draft.

A couple of analysts at Sharp-Football-Analysis believe they drafted well, getting some players who could start this season.


Warren Sharp of Sharp- Football-Analysis


Sharp assigns draft capital to each pick using a consensus of mock drafts and big boards, comparing the total draft capital used to draft a player at a particular point in the draft relative to what was expected.

He calls the resulting metric DCOE (Draft Capital Over Expectation), which measures the expected capital used on a prospect vs. the actual capital used.

The Colts had the third most valuable draft class, behind the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers, according to Sharp. Here are their best picks:


******** llllll LB C.J. Allen: Expected at 35, taken at 53

******** llllll S A.J. Haulcy: Expected at 56, taken at 78

******** llllll G Jalen Farmer: Expected at 106, taken at 113

******** lllllt Edge Caden Curry: Expected at 161, taken at 213

******** llll.t RB Seth McGowan: Expected at 182, taken at 236



From Sharp: l "The Colts had a couple of reaches (LB Bryce Boettcher, Edge George Gumbs Jr.), but they had a sound draft by DCOE standards, and their best in several years (No. 28 in DCOE in 2024, No. 17 in 2025.")



************************************



Indianapolis Colts Draft Grade (By Sharp-Football-Analysis)



The Colts get an A-, tied for 5rth best, by Ryan McCrystal of Sharp-Football-Analysis.


McCrystal acknowledges grading draft classes immediately has limited credibility, but ...... "What is valuable is the collective perception of these draft classes, because these grades will inform our perception of what happened when we eventually look back on the draft years later."


******** llllll Instant impact: A.J. Haulcy, S

******** llllll Best value: Jalen Farmer, OG

******** lllll. Riskiest pick: None.


McCrystal's analysis: ) "The Colts didn’t take any big swings, but they probably came away with 3 quality starters in Haulcy, Farmer, and C.J. Allen. Even 4th-round pick Bryce Boettcher has starter potential, though the presence of Allen obviously limits his access to the field."

o