3 Non-First-Round Defenders Who Could Help Colts in NFL Draft

The Indianapolis Colts need to add more talent and depth to their young defense.

The Indianapolis Colts are in full-evaluation mode as the NFL Combine begins with the draft only a few months away. 

While the offensive side of the ball for Shane Steichen can use talent through the NFL Draft, so can Gus Bradley's defense. 

With this on tap, it's time to dive into three prospects who aren't first-rounders but can still help the Colts' defense improve in 2024 and beyond. 

CB Khyree Jackson | Oregon

The Colts' secondary needs more help at cornerback, plain and simple. While promising defensive backs like JuJu Brents, Jaylon Jones, and Dallis Flowers played solidly, they're still developing and need depth assistance. Also, Flowers is returning from a massive Achilles injury that limited him to four games last season.

Veteran Kenny Moore II played fantastic in 2023, but behind Moore and the others, the roster lacks established skill or high-ceiling talent in the corner room. Indy could take a cornerback in the first round. Even if that happens, they may want to select multiple CBs like they did in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Colts would be wise to look at Oregon defender Khyree Jackson. Jackson is the body type for Bradley's scheme, standing 6'3" and weighing about 200 pounds. Jackson also looked better after transferring from Alabama to Oregon in 2023, where he grabbed three interceptions and 34 tackles. He also posted Pro Football Focus grades of 77.4 in coverage and 84.3 in tackling.

It's never guaranteed that a player taken in the draft will pan out, especially after the first round.But Jackson's athleticism and efficiency as a rotational/depth corner could benefit Indianapolis in the long run. 

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

S Jaden Hicks | Washington State

Similar to the cornerbacks, Indy needs more depth at safety. Starting strong safety Julian Blackmon is a free agent and would be a smart re-signing for the Colts. Regardless of if Blackmon returns, Chris Ballard would be wise to pick a player like Jaden Hicks from Washington State. 

Hicks played high-level football for the Cougars in 2022 and 2023. He also showed improvement from '22 to '23. 

Hicks led the charge in coverage grade (83.0) and ranked near the top in overall defense (76.6) for Washington State. Tack on 79 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, four passes defended, and a defensive touchdown, and you've got a strong candidate to help the depth issue at safety for the Colts. 

Nick Cross showed promise but still has to play more to solidify it. Behind Blackmon and Cross, Rodney Thomas II and Daniel Scott have displayed little or nothing yet (Scott missed 2023 with an ACL injury). All these factors considered make Hicks a versatile selection who can play free or strong safety for the Colts. 

DL Braden Fiske | Florida State

The Colts boast one of the most disruptive defensive tackle duos in the NFL with Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner. Despite this, Indy still wreaked against the run, allowing 123.8 rushing yards per game. This metric was bad enough to rank 24th in the league. 

The numbers can be a bit deceiving, as Stewart is a great run defender but missed six games due to suspension. Stewart's replacement during his suspension (or when he needed a breather) was typically Taven Bryan. Bryan was ineffective at pass-rushing and worse against the run. He would finish with a putrid 43.7 rush defense grade. 

Indy can't allow this to happen again. Assuming they allow Bryan to walk in free agency, the Colts should pick up Florida State lineman Braden Fiske. Fiske is explosive, athletic, tenacious, and constant. These skills make him a perfect rotational weapon to Stewart. 

After four seasons at Western Michigan, Fiske switched to Florida State for the 2023 season and didn't miss a beat. Fiske posted 43 tackles, nine for loss, 6.0 sacks, and 28 quarterback pressures. He also defended well against the run and is skilled at getting in the backfield. 

Right away, Fiske would be an upgrade from Bryan or any interior defensive lineman the Colts have behind Stewart and Buckner. The Indiana native also had an interesting response when asked about the Colts. 

#FSU iDL Braden Fiske smiled wide after being asked about his hometown team, the #Colts, replying:

“I grew up a huge Colts fan. Still am a huge Colts fan. I grew up with the Peyton Manning era… with Freeney & Mathis. I wouldn’t mind playing up here, that’d be awesome.” pic.twitter.com/fVhJonrvsM

— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) February 28, 2024

Don't be surprised if Fiske's great showing during Senior Bowl week doesn't entice Indianapolis to push the button to draft him and bring him back to where it all began for the former Seminole. 

---

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and X, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.