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Adams: Pre-Combine Colts 5-Round Mock Draft

Destin Adams gives his first mock draft for the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine.

Destin Adams

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As the NFL Scouting Combine events get started today, it felt like a good time to drop my first Indianapolis Colts mock draft of the cycle. So before we see how far the prospects can jump, how fast they can run, and how many reps they can bench, I decided to go through what the team's first five rounds could look like.

We heard from head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard yesterday. They both had interesting comments that many believe could help point us in the direction the team will go in with what seems like the most important draft the team has faced in over a decade.

Round 1 Pick 4: QB Anthony Richardson - Florida

© Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Richardson out of Florida is a polarizing prospect to many because of the discrepancy in college games played compared to the others at the top of this class. His off-the-charts athleticism paired with his prototype size, though, is undeniable. Many see drafting Richardson as a risk, and while that is true, it may be the risk the team has been building towards since the early retirement of Andrew Luck. 

The offensive staff put in place by the Colts has minds who have previously worked with young quarterbacks such as Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawerence, Justin Herbert, and Kyler Murray. To get a quarterback with Richardson’s athleticism and build (6’4, 232lbs), he just may be the perfect meet-in-the-middle prospect that fits what both Steichen and Ballard look for at the position.

Round 2 Pick 43: G Steve Avila - TCU

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

TRADE: Pick 35 to the New York Jets for Pick 43 (2nd Rounder) and Pick 112 (4th Rounder)

You’re not properly predicting a Chris Ballard-led draft if you do not include an option to trade back. Here the Colts can add an extra 4th rounder this year to move back eight spots with the Jets.

Steve Avila is a plug-and-play guard at the next level the first day he walks into the team building, in my opinion. Avila is a versatile lineman who played all over the line at tackle, center, and guard. The knowledge he's learned doing so is something many rookies don't possess.

Avila also plays with impressive power, which took defensive players out of plays entirely last year for the Horn Frogs. Once the Colts decide which quarterback they will be taking, protecting that investment immediately should be their focus. Drafting Avila in the 2nd would do just that. 

Round 3 Pick 79: EDGE Zach Harrison - Ohio State

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Zach Harrison could very well be a day-two edge rusher that Ballard himself built in a lab. He has solid build at 6'5" and 274lbs and should measure in with long arms for the position this week. Add the measurables with his elite athleticism, and Harrison should be one of the biggest combine winners. His fit with the Colts is impeccable, and if he finds himself available when the team makes this pick, I can't imagine it would take them long to run the card in.

Round 4 Pick 106: CB Julius Brents - Kansas State

© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Julius Brents has unreal size for the cornerback position, measuring at 6’4". He started this draft process with a bang, being a standout at the Senior Bowl down in Mobile, Ala. His stock is rising from his early projection of being a 5th-round pick, and he could very well put himself into the day two conversation this week. He should have an impressive combine performance and will get to do so in his home state of Indiana. Brents is a graduate of Warren Central high school in Indiana.

Round 4 Pick 112: C Olusegun Oluwatimi - Michigan

Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Olusegun Oluwatimi (55) lines up against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half of the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. Michiganbig 120322 Kd 4312
© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Colts would be wise to prioritize drafting multiple linemen in this class. Multiple players on the team's O-line did not play to their potential last season and there is a lack of depth currently on the roster. The team’s starting center Ryan Kelly saw a drop in production this past season and could push the team to look at their options at center in this draft. 

If the team elects to pass at center on day 2, Olusegun Oluwatimi would be a solid early day three project with tools that can be molded into a long-time starting center at the next level.

Round 5 Pick 140: WR Rakim Jarrett - Maryland

© Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Many fans reading this mock are probably losing their mind that a wide receiver has not been drafted up to this point. But do not fear, Rakim Jarrett is here. 

Jarrett projects as a solid YAC slot wide receiver at the next level. He may not run a lightning-fast 40 to impress fans, but get Jarrett the ball in space and watch the magic happen. With the Colts' current starting slot, Parris Campbell, currently projected to hit the open market at the start of free agency, the team needs someone with Jarrett's exact skill set. 

Round 5 Pick 164: LB Cam Jones - Indiana

Indiana's Cam Jones (4) tackles Davion Ervin-Poindexter (2) during the Indiana versus Western Kentucky football game at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 17, 2022. Iu Wk Fb 1h Jones 2
© Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cam Jones tape at Indiana is the definition of versatile. Throughout his college career, Jones would see snaps all over the field. He played as an on and off-ball linebacker, a pass rusher, and even at safety. With the Colts having two key linebackers in Bobby Okereke and E.J. Speed primed to hit the market, a linebacker with Jones’ skill set would be a welcomed edition to the teams' LB room.

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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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