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ESPN's Field Yates released his latest 2026 NFL mock draft. However, the Indianapolis Colts were not included because they do not have a first-round draft pick.
That selection went to the New York Jets in the trade for Sauce Gardner. So the Colts won't be on the clock until Day 2 of the draft.
However, let's take a look at Yates' mock draft anyway, but do so from the Colts' perspective.
Had the Colts owned their first-round pick, they would be selecting at 16th overall. In that range of the draft, we saw several defensive linemen taken. From picks 15-20, there were three edge rushers and a defensive tackle taken.
Defensive end, in particular, is a big need for the Colts, but the tackle depth should be bolstered as well. The good news is that beyond this portion of the draft, there does seem to be good overall depth at those positions.
Braden Smith is a free agent, which leaves Jalen Travis as the potential starter at right tackle if Smith ends up elsewhere. Travis held his own when called upon last season, but adding competition and depth at one of the game's most important positions wouldn't be a bad idea.
From pick 16 on, Yates had four offensive tackles selected. On Jordan Reid's big board, he has seven offensive tackles in the top 50. There's some talent at this position if the Colts go that route.
Along with not having a first-round pick, the Colts also have just five picks in total, not including any potential compensatory selections they receive. When it comes to addressing any needs with immediate help, those opportunities will be limited in the draft.
So perhaps we again see Chris Ballard take a more aggressive approach in free agency to fill needs. The Colts have the salary cap flexibility to do so.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 3 takeaways for Indianapolis Colts in latest mock
Continue reading...
That selection went to the New York Jets in the trade for Sauce Gardner. So the Colts won't be on the clock until Day 2 of the draft.
However, let's take a look at Yates' mock draft anyway, but do so from the Colts' perspective.
A lot of defensive lineman taken in the middle portion of Round 1
Had the Colts owned their first-round pick, they would be selecting at 16th overall. In that range of the draft, we saw several defensive linemen taken. From picks 15-20, there were three edge rushers and a defensive tackle taken.
Defensive end, in particular, is a big need for the Colts, but the tackle depth should be bolstered as well. The good news is that beyond this portion of the draft, there does seem to be good overall depth at those positions.
Is offensive tackle a sneaky early-round pick?
Braden Smith is a free agent, which leaves Jalen Travis as the potential starter at right tackle if Smith ends up elsewhere. Travis held his own when called upon last season, but adding competition and depth at one of the game's most important positions wouldn't be a bad idea.
From pick 16 on, Yates had four offensive tackles selected. On Jordan Reid's big board, he has seven offensive tackles in the top 50. There's some talent at this position if the Colts go that route.
Big swings in free agency coming?
Along with not having a first-round pick, the Colts also have just five picks in total, not including any potential compensatory selections they receive. When it comes to addressing any needs with immediate help, those opportunities will be limited in the draft.
So perhaps we again see Chris Ballard take a more aggressive approach in free agency to fill needs. The Colts have the salary cap flexibility to do so.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 3 takeaways for Indianapolis Colts in latest mock
Continue reading...
