ESPN Reveals Colts' 1st-Three Picks in Kiper/Yates Mock Draft

Mel Kiper and Field Yates released a three-round NFL Mock Draft on ESPN+. Who do they have the Indianapolis Colts taking?

Sep 23, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Terrion Arnold (3) / Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback has been a popular pick for the Indianapolis Colts in recent mock drafts. Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates released a combined three-round mock draft on ESPN+, and they stay true to form in the first round.

Kiper took the odd-numbered selections in the draft, so he had the Colts' pick at No. 15. He went with Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Terrion Arnold. It shouldn't be a surprise that Kiper took Arnold at No. 15; he did the same with his solo mock last week.

"Cornerback is the Colts' biggest need, so this is a good combo of need and best prospect available," wrote Kiper on ESPN+. "This might be a spot to watch if Bowers falls, though."

Tight end might not be a glaring need for the Colts, but a prospect like Brock Bowers would certainly upgrade the room and give Anthony Richardson another weapon. Yates had the Denver Broncos selecting Bowers at No. 12.

The Colts are on the board next at No. 46, so Yates had the pick. Like Kiper last week, he went with a wide receiver in the second round, but instead of Oregon's Troy Franklin, who was available, Yates preferred Washington's Ja'Lynn Polk.

"A favorite prospect of mine, Polk is tough, shows excellent body control and has vise-grip-like hands," wrote Yates. "The Colts can continue to support quarterback Anthony Richardson with another playmaker."

If Bowers was the pick at No. 15, it's doubtful the Colts would go receiver in the second round. However the depth of pass catchers in this draft would argue against taking Bowers, even if he falls to the Colts.

Indianapolis is back on the clock at No. 82, meaning it's Yates again. He beefed up the trenches with a prospect that isn't getting enough attention: offensive lineman Dominick Puni of Kansas.

"As Indy tries to pad the depth along the interior offensive line, the versatility of Puni -- he can play four different positions -- makes him a great value here. He didn't allow any sacks over the past two seasons," wrote Yates.

The NFL Draft is just over a week away with the festivities set to kick off on Thursday night. The Colts have been busy sewing up their current players, including a massive contract for DeForrest Buckner.

They've been relatively quiet on the incoming side of the ledger, but that changes next week. A haul of Arnold, Lynn, and Puni would be an excellent-first-two days for general manager Chris Ballard and the Colts.