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Adams: Post-Pro Days Colts 7-Round Mock Draft

With the pro days of marquee players now in the books, it's time to release a full seven-round Indianapolis Colts mock draft.

Destin Adams

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It is officially NFL Draft month, and rumors are running wild on how the anticipated event will unfold.

The Indianapolis Colts find themselves at the center of many rumors as they are expected to select a first-round quarterback for the first time since 2012 when they selected Andrew Luck.

With two teams slotted ahead of them likely to go QB as well, the Colts do not control their own destiny. So, how will things shake out for the Colts come April 27? 

Round 1:

© Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

TRADE: Colts send picks 1.4, 3.79, 5.162 to the Cardinals for 1.3

Pick 3: QB Anthony Richardson, Florida

The NFL hasn't seen an athlete like Richardson at the QB position, as he tested out as the most athletic QB prospect ever, according to RAS Football. After his impressive athletic testing, his name has been the center of many trade-up rumors as teams look to jump the Colts for the QB. I believe the Colts could get a modest deal done to prevent that by sending a couple of picks to the Arizona Cardinals, who then still get to draft the top player on their board in this draft at 4.

From what I have been told, the Colts have done a ton of research and work on Richardson well before his historic Scouting Combine performance. As well as a discussion at the Combine that Richardson called “informal,” and the Colts elected earlier this week to send Chief Personnel Executive Morocco Brown to Richardson's pro day in Gainesville after sending area scouts to Ohio State, Alabama, and Kentucky. With this information, I believe the Colts will target Richardson with their first pick.

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Round 2:

© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

TRADE: Lions send picks 2.48, 3.81, 6.183 to the Colts for 2.35

Pick 48: CB Julius Brents, Kansas State

After electing to trade up in Round 1, I could see GM Chris Ballard and the Colts looking for a trade back in Round 2 to attempt to recoup a portion of their assets. A partner they could look at is the Detroit Lions. As well as having two first-rounders this year, the Lions own two seconds, so I could see them deciding to get aggressive and move up to the top end of the second round.

This offseason, the Colts decided to trade starting corner Stephon Gilmore from an already thin cornerback room. So, after going QB in Round 1, I believe cornerback will likely be the next position prioritized on Day 2. Lucky for Ballard, this year's corner class is loaded with prospects that fit his size and athleticism preferences. After the trade back, I have the Colts going with Indy native and Warren Central graduate Brents out of Kansas State. Brents has excellent size to be a boundary corner at the next level at 6’3," 198 lbs. As well as having a solid makeup to be a day-one starter in a zone-heavy scheme like that of the Colts.

Round 3:

© Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Pick 81 (From DET): T/G Cody Mauch, North Dakota State

To many people's surprise, the Colts still have not added to their offensive line through free agency. A unit that struggled mightly throughout last season desperately needs depth at multiple spots and a starting job up for grabs at right guard. Mauch has the versatility to play anywhere on the line, which is something I believe the Colts will weigh heavily in their evaluations. Mauch will be able to come in and compete to be the team’s starting right guard from day one, and at worst, I believe he will be able to be the sixth lineman that can fill in as a spot starter for any spot needed throughout his rookie season.

Round 4:

Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Pick 106: WR Jayden Reed, Michigan State

Reed is smaller than the average receiver the Colts have drafted during the Ballard era at just under 5’11" but at this stage of the draft, Reed fits the team's need at the position better than any on the board. Reed projects as a slot at the next level, and with the departure of Parris Campbell this offseason, the Colts desperately need slot ability heading into training camp alongside Isaiah McKenzie and Ashton Dulin. Reed’s ability at the line of scrimmage is among the best in the class. His overall speed will be a great fit in Shane Steichen's offense which will look to attack defenses vertically at a much higher rate than Colts fans saw in the previous offensive system.

Round 5:

Louisville defensive lineman YaYa Diaby wraps ups Kentucky quarterback Will Levis in the second quarter of the Governor's Cup game. Nov. 26, 2022 Louisville Vs Kentucky 2022 Football
© Matt Stone/Louisville Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Pick 138: DL YaYa Diaby, Lousiville

On Day 3 of the draft, the phrase “best player available” usually takes the forefront of teams drafting methods. When it comes to this pick in the fifth round, Diaby is a team need and a BPA candidate. He is an incredible athlete who tested out with a 9.86 athletic score, according to RAS Football, Diaby also allows solid versatility as he can play on the inside or on the edge at the NFL level. With the Colts' young depth behind likely starters Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, Grover Stewart, and Deforest Buckner, that versatility will likely be needed.

Round 5:

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pick 176: G Andrew Vorhees, USC

Vorhees' injury at the Combine was heartbreaking for the, at the time, likely Day-2 pick. After tearing his ACL during drills, his draft stock took a hit, but the question now is how far he will fall. Unfortunately, Vorhees will have to sit out of football activities during his rookie year, but a team could land a Day 2 talent during Day 3 if they are willing to wait for him to recover. With the Colts' question marks on the offensive line, I think this is a gamble they certainly should consider, and it is one that I believe will pay off dividends for the team that chooses to do so.

Round 6:

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pick 183 (From DET): WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton, West Virginia

Someone of Ford-Wheaton's size (6’4," 221) with 4.38 speed is the exact kind of prospect the Colts have been known to take a flier on during Day 3 of the draft. Ford-Wheaton's tape is full of contested catches but struggled to create separation, which is why he finds himself as a Day 3 prospect. If a team can help Ford-Wheaton translate his speed to separation at the next level, he could be a massive Day 3 gem.

Round 7:

JSU linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. (45) goes after Southern running back Karl Ligon (19) in Jackson Miss., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. Tcl Jsu Southern
© Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK

Pick 221: LB Aubrey Miller Jr., Jackson State

Miller possesses a strength that the Colts linebacker room lacks, with his solid coverage ability that could help him win a roster spot during training camp. He will also check a few boxes for the Colts, as he was the leader of the Jackson State defense this past year and was a Senior Bowl participant this offseason. In addition, Miller plays with great physicality that, at the very least, should be able to find him a home somewhere in the NFL as a special teamer.

Round 7:

Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Pick 236: CB Carrington Valentine, Kentucky

With the Colts' cornerback room being so thin, grabbing one with Valentine's athleticism and beating the UDFA crowd would make a lot of sense. Valentine has solid size that could translate as a slot or boundary corner at the next level at 6’0," 193. I got to be at Kentucky’s pro day, and Valentine had scouts jumping out of their seats via his agility testing. After his shuttle drill, he even gave a stare at the scouts watching that oozed confidence that I could see the Colts loving.

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Destin Adams
DESTIN ADAMS

Destin Adams is an analyst for HorseshoeHuddle.com and one of the hosts of the Saddle Up Show. He has covered the Colts since 2019. He previously helped create the site TheBlueStable.com and most recently he covered the team for SB Nation during the 2022-2023 season. 

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