Moore: Final Colts 2023 7-Round Mock Draft

With the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft kicking off tomorrow, it is time to reveal the final mock draft for the Indianapolis Colts.

We are less than 48 hours away from the 2023 NFL Draft, where the Indianapolis Colts will make their most important selection since 2012.

For all of the debates that have happened over the past few months, it is time for the Colts to select a rookie quarterback. The team hopes that whoever they choose will finally end the quarterback carousel they have been on since Andrew Luck retired in 2019.

On top of that, Indy has plenty of other needs that must be addressed in this year's draft. Without further ado, here is my final 2023 seven-round mock draft for the Colts.

Round 1, Pick 4: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

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In my first two mocks, I had the Colts trading up to the No.3 pick with the Arizona Cardinals. But as we get closer to the draft, it seems more likely the Colts will be able to stay at No.4 and still get the quarterback they want. Anthony Richardson, welcome to Indianapolis.

Richardson could be the alien the Colts have been searching for at quarterback since Luck retired. Richardson is arguably the most athletic quarterback prospect the NFL has ever seen with his combination of size, speed, and explosiveness. He also has the strongest arm in the class, making every throw a possibility.

Richardson is not a perfect prospect and has issues with his mechanics and accuracy that need cleaning up. But he is not as raw as people might think and has shown improvement in college with more reps and experience. With new head coach Shane Steichen at the helm directing his development and the system he will be in, the sky’s the limit for Richardson in Indy.

Round 2, Pick 35: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

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In my first two mock drafts, I had the Colts trading back from No.35 to recoup some of the draft capital they lost from trading up with the Cardinals. Since the Colts stay at No.4 in this mock, it is more likely they stay at No.35 if the right player is available. Kelee Ringo would be a player that would make the Colts stay put in the second round.

The Colts have shown high interest in the Georgia cornerback throughout the draft process. Ringo's athleticism is off the charts, and he has the size and length the Colts love at cornerback. He has had some issues in man coverage but thrives back in zone, where he can make plays on the ball. Ringo is a perfect Gus Bradley cornerback and would start on the outside in Indy from Day 1.

Round 3, Pick 79: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss

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The Colts start the 2023 NFL Draft with two of their first three picks on the offensive side of the ball. The Colts re-signed Ashton Dulin and added former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie while allowing Parris Campbell to leave in free agency. Indy still needs to add another weapon to help out their rookie quarterback.

Jonathan Mingo fits the build of a Chris Ballard-type receiver. Mingo meets the size threshold at 6'2" and 220 pounds, as Ballard has only drafted wide receivers over 6'0" and 200 pounds since he joined the Colts. Mingo is also a freak athlete with a 4.46 40-yard dash time and 39.5-inch vertical.

Mingo would be a big slot receiver in Steichen's offense. He is a solid route runner who can catch contested throws and is a weapon after the catch. His ability to block in the running game is also a plus for a Colts team that values blocking from their receivers.

Round 4, Pick 117: Nick Saldiveri, OT, Old Dominion

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TRADE: Colts send the No. 106 (fourth round) and No. 236 (seventh round) picks to the New England Patriots for the No. 117 (fourth round), No. 184 (sixth round), and No.210 (sixth round) picks.

It is not until Round 4 that we see the first trade back by Ballard and the Colts. In this scenario, the Colts move back 11 spots in the fourth round and give away their final seventh-round pick to gain two sixth-round selections. The move brings Indy to 10 total draft picks.

The Colts add depth to their offensive line by taking Nick Saldiveri. Saldiveri could end up being a diamond in the rough for the Colts. The size, length, and athletic ability are all there for him, as he has shown great promise as both a run blocker and pass blocker. Saldiveri just needs time to refine his footwork and become more consistent in this area. 

While he played right tackle for most of his college career, a move inside to guard may be needed at the next level. With patience and the right coaching, Saldiveri could develop into a starting-caliber player on the Colts’ offensive line.

Round 5, Pick 138: Dylan Horton, DE, TCU

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In his pre-draft presser, Ballard praised the depth at defensive line in this draft class, particularly at defensive end. Although Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam are set to be the starters at defensive end for the Colts, you can never have enough pass rushers. The Colts decide to select a pass rusher with upside in Dylan Horton.

Horton has the physical qualities the Colts look for in their defensive ends. His length and explosion give him an edge as a pass rusher, and he can hold his own against the run. While still raw as a pass rusher, Horton has all the traits needed to be successful in the NFL. The high-upside Horton would likely start on special teams with the Colts as he continues to develop his game.

Round 5, Pick 162: Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn

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With the departure of Bobby Okereke in free agency, the Colts will need to add some depth at linebacker. When looking at two of the three starting linebackers for Indy in Shaquille Leonard and E.J. Speed, the Colts love long, athletic linebackers that can cover from sideline to sideline. Staying in that mold, Owen Pappoe would fit seamlessly into the Colts' linebacker room.

Pappoe has great length and range to cover from sideline to sideline at the next level. He can also be used as a blitzer to get after the quarterback. While Pappoe will need to work on his play recognition if he wants a chance as a starter, the athletic upside is enticing for the Colts, and the linebacker could contribute on special teams right away.

Round 5, Pick 176: Jon Gaines II, OG, UCLA

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While the Colts already took Saldiveri in the fourth round, acquiring more depth on the offensive line is never a bad idea. Jon Gaines II is too good of a fit to pass up for Indy.

The Colts could find another diamond in the rough with Gaines. He is a great athlete for the position and shows solid skills in the run and pass game. While he needs to gain strength and work on his technique, those same issues did not stop the Colts from taking Bernhard Raimann a year ago. Gaines will likely be high on the Colts' board come Day 3 of the draft.

Round 6, Pick 184: Starling Thomas V, CB, UAB

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Next is the second of three picks the Colts received from the Patriots in the earlier trade. When it gets to the later rounds on Day 3 of the draft, the Colts like to take players with standout athletic traits. How about 4.3 speed?

That is what Starling Thomas V brings to the cornerback position. Thomas is an athletic and physical corner that can make plays on the ball. While he does not have the ideal height and length the Colts covet, Thomas can play outside or inside with the speed to stick with any receiver. He would be able to contribute on special teams right away as he continues to work on his game and provide quality depth to a cornerback room that desperately needs it.

Round 6, Pick 210: Jason Taylor II, S, Oklahoma State

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The Colts are hoping Nick Cross, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, can take the next step and lock down the strong safety position after basically redshirting his rookie season. With Cross moving up and the loss of Rodney McLeod, depth at safety is needed. Jason Taylor II can fill that void.

Taylor is a prototypical Day 3 pick for the Colts. While the safety is raw in some areas and can give up some big plays, he is a great athlete with a knack for making plays around the ball. Taylor can get reps on special teams for the Colts while he develops as well. If Taylor is available late on Day 3, he could hear his name called when the Colts are on the clock.

Round 7, Pick 221: Dante Stills, DT, West Virginia

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While the Colts added to the defensive line earlier, taking multiple pass rushers would not be a surprise. Since becoming general manager, Ballard has taken multiple defensive linemen in five out of six drafts. After picking up Horton in the fifth round, Indy goes for an athletic interior rusher in the seventh.

Dante Stills has the body type to play inside and out on the defensive line. In five seasons at West Virginia, he tallied 23.5 sacks while displaying quickness and agility in his play. The Colts may need to test him out at different positions to see where he fits best, but Stills could immediately contribute on special teams.

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

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