Colts Address Passing Game in Mel Kiper's Latest Mock Draft

The Indianapolis Colts go skill on offense and defense in Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest NFL Mock Draft

Terrion Arnold Alabama Crimson Tide / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY SPORTS

Early in the mock draft process, offensive playmaker was a common theme for the Indianapolis Colts. As the process continued, cornerback was the dominant choice among big media including Field Yates of ESPN.com.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. decided to take care of both options with a two-round mock draft where he has the Colts selecting Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Terrion Arnold at No. 15 and Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin at No. 46.

"This is an easy match, right? Cornerback is the Colts' biggest need, and Arnold is my second-ranked corner," Kiper wrote about selecting Arnold on ESPN+. "He had five interceptions last season as he developed into the Crimson Tide's top defensive back. He played a ton of press coverage in college, so he understands angles and knows how to knock receivers off their routes. He would have a chance to be Indianapolis' top CB as a rookie."

It's an incredibly deep year at wide receiver, and the Colts can afford to wait until the second round to get a premium talent like Franklin.

"I thought about an edge rusher for Indianapolis, but there's value in taking a second-round receiver based on the depth of the class," wrote Kiper about selecting Franklin. "General manager Chris Ballard has used Day 2 picks on wideouts in each of these past two drafts (Josh Downs, Alec Pierce), but the Colts don't have a press-coverage beater like Franklin, who had 23 touchdown catches in his final two seasons at Oregon."

With the addition of Arnold and Franklin, the Colts passing offense and defense looks set for several years. Arnold would join Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents and Rodney Thomas in the secondary. All are 25-years old or younger.

Michael Pittman is the old man of the wide receiver group at 26.

The Colts were relatively quiet in free agency this year, deciding to take care of their core players with new deals. Looking at their roster it make sense. This is a still a young team with a lot of talent. Adding Arnold and Franklin would solidify corner and receiver for several years.