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Let's go through each pick and break down the Indianapolis Colts' two selections in the latest three-round mock draft from ESPN.
In this mock, Mel Kiper Jr., Field Yates, Jordan Reid, and Matt Miller alternated selections throughout the three rounds. The Colts would prioritize the trenches with their picks and make a head-scratching selection in the third round.
What's the need? Arden Key and Micheal Clemons give the rotation a boost, but ideally, the Colts would still add a more high-impact presence to pair with Laiatu Latu. However, finding that caliber of player without a first-round pick may not be likely. So adding more competition and bolstering the depth may be the way the Colts have to go here.
What Reid had to say: "Edge rusher is one of the Colts' top needs. And despite not picking in Round 1, they can check a box here. Lawrence is a long and physical edge setter with excellent bend and closing speed."
What's the need? The Colts do need to bolster their interior offensive line depth. However, with Tanor Bortolini already on the roster and starting, Indianapolis does not have the luxury of adding competition with a top 100 pick, given that there are other much more pressing needs -- like at linebacker -- for Chris Ballard to address. Considering the current state of the Colts and that Ballard must make the playoffs this season, this pick makes little sense.
What Miller had to say: "There's a hole in the middle of Indianapolis' offensive line, and I think Hecht is the best center in the class."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Evaluating Colts' 2 picks in ESPN's 3-round mock
Continue reading...
In this mock, Mel Kiper Jr., Field Yates, Jordan Reid, and Matt Miller alternated selections throughout the three rounds. The Colts would prioritize the trenches with their picks and make a head-scratching selection in the third round.
Pick 47: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
What's the need? Arden Key and Micheal Clemons give the rotation a boost, but ideally, the Colts would still add a more high-impact presence to pair with Laiatu Latu. However, finding that caliber of player without a first-round pick may not be likely. So adding more competition and bolstering the depth may be the way the Colts have to go here.
What Reid had to say: "Edge rusher is one of the Colts' top needs. And despite not picking in Round 1, they can check a box here. Lawrence is a long and physical edge setter with excellent bend and closing speed."
Pick 78: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
What's the need? The Colts do need to bolster their interior offensive line depth. However, with Tanor Bortolini already on the roster and starting, Indianapolis does not have the luxury of adding competition with a top 100 pick, given that there are other much more pressing needs -- like at linebacker -- for Chris Ballard to address. Considering the current state of the Colts and that Ballard must make the playoffs this season, this pick makes little sense.
What Miller had to say: "There's a hole in the middle of Indianapolis' offensive line, and I think Hecht is the best center in the class."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Evaluating Colts' 2 picks in ESPN's 3-round mock
Continue reading...
