Horseshoe Huddle

Hicks: 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.

Zach Hicks

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, 2024 3rd round pick, and 5.138 to the Cardinals for 1.3

Pick 3: QB Anthony Richardson, Florida

The Indianapolis Colts are in desperate need of their quarterback of the future in this upcoming NFL draft. While Anthony Richardson isn't without his flaws and will certainly take time to hit his ceiling, the Colts are one of the few places that can properly develop the talented passer. Head Coach Shane Steichen just did wonders with Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles, so I can only assume that he is salivating at the chance to work with a quarterback with Richardson's athletic profile.

The cost may be a tad steep to move up only one spot, but it is all worth it in order to secure the quarterback of the future. This, to me, is the most likely scenario on draft night. The Colts move up to secure their quarterback while the Cardinals move back one spot (secure some extra picks) and still get the top defender in the draft.

 

Round 2:

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TRADE: Colts send pick 2.35 to the Pittsburgh Steelers for picks 2.49 and 3.80

Pick 49: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina

Chris Ballard loves them picks, so I can't imagine trading away a third rounder to move up one spot would sit well with him. Luckily, the Colts are in a prime spot to move back at pick 35 to recoup some extra picks. They could likely get a bit more than this in an actual trade, but this one works for the purposes of the mock draft.

At pick 49, I have the Colts going with cornerback Darius Rush. Rush is a former wide receiver that switched to the defensive side of the ball after his sophomore season. He is far from a complete prospect but he offers outstanding size (6'2" 198 pounds), length (33.375 inch arms), speed (4.36 forty time), and ball skills (three interceptions and 15 pass deflections over the past two years).

Rush is a developmental player that fits the mold that the Colts look for at the cornerback position.

Round 3:

© Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Pick 80 (from PIT): Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss

Jonathan Mingo is a match made in heaven for Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen in this draft class. Mingo is an explosive power slot receiver that can wear multiple hats in an offense. He can block at a high level, he can create after the catch, and he has the explosion to get behind the defense on the deep ball.

Mingo may not be the pure burner that Shane Steichen is looking for, but he brings a lot of the same traits that A.J Brown brought to the Eagles last season (obviously at a much lesser level). If Mingo is still available in the third round come draft day, I'd bet good money that the Colts will be actively trying to select this talented pass catcher.

Round 4:

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Pick 106: Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn

It feels about that time again for Chris Ballard to address the linebacker position in the draft. Bobby Okereke left the team in free agency and Shaquille Leonard is still dealing with an injury that sidelined him for most of last season. It would be very on brand for Ballard to address this key position yet again in the middle rounds of the draft.

One of the best overall fits for the Colts is Auburn's Owen Pappoe. He is a bit short and a little inconsistent on film, but the upside is impossible to ignore. Pappoe ran a blazing 4.39 second forty yard dash at the NFL Combine, and he is one of the best pure coverage backers in the class (according to Pro Football Focus). With his early potential as a special teamer and his upside on defense, Pappoe seems like a perfect fit for the Colts.

Round 5:

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Pick 162: Jon Gaines II , IOL, UCLA

The Indianapolis Colts need help on the offensive line, and a player like Jon Gaines II could be a strong addition later in the draft. Gaines II tested as one of the best overall athletes at the NFL Combine and he has experience playing all five positions at the college level. He is guy that will be an immediate impact depth player with the athletic potential to be so much more in the future.

Round 5:

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Pick 176: Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati

Day three of the NFL Draft is all about traits and special teams ability... The Colts get the best of both of those worlds right here. Tucker is an explosive slot receiver that ran a 4.32 second forty yard dash at his Pro Day this year. He can create with the ball in his hands and has the ability to win over the top. On top of that, he was a strong special teams player for (now) Colts' Special Teams Coordinator Brian Mason back at Cincinnati early in his career. This pick just makes way too much sense on day three for the team.

 

Round 7:

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Pick 221: Isaiah Bolden, DB, Jackson State

Round seven is the place to take upside, and Isaiah Bolden has plenty of it. The former Florida State defensive back transferred down to Jackson State and made a name for himself as a do-it-all defender. He can play safety, slot, and outside cornerback and he has the athleticism to do everything (4.31 forty yard dash at his Pro Day). Bolden would be an immediate contributor on special teams with the potential to grow into a rotational player.

Round 7:

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Pick 236: Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky

The Colts like to take some shots on upside on day three and Brodric Martin seems like a prime candidate. He has some strong flashes on film, he just needs to cut some weight and add power to be a solid rotational nose tackle in the NFL. The Colts are plenty interested in Martin this draft process, as they are scheduled to have him in for a Top 30 visit in the coming weeks.

Learn more about these players and so much more by pre-ordering the Indy Draft Guide!

The most comprehensive Colts draft coverage you can find anywhere releases April 10th, 2023.

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Zach Hicks
ZACH HICKS

Zach Hicks is the Lead Analyst for HorseshoeHuddle.com. Zach has been on the NFL beat since 2017. His works have appeared on SBNation.com, the Locked On Podcast Network, BleacherReport.com, MSN.com, & Yardbarker.com. 

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