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Chad Reuter of NFL.com has put out his final 2026 NFL mock draft, and it's a full seven-rounder. So who did the Indianapolis Colts end up selecting?
When it was all said and done, Reuter addressed the Colts' pressing needs -- although he may have done so in a bit of a roundabout way.
Let's dive into Reuter's final mock.
Stribling fits the mold of what Chris Ballard looks for in a wide receiver. He is a very experienced player. During the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Stribling eclipsed the 800-yard mark and has been able to generate chunk plays, averaging almost 16 yards per catch over that span, which includes averaging an impressive 7.0 yards after the catch.
Addressing linebacker on Day 2 feels like a must for the Colts. Louis has been very effective as a blitzer, recording 50 pressures over the last two seasons. In coverage, he's logged five pass breakups and six interceptions the last two years, while holding pass catchers to 8.4 yards per catch.
An experienced safety with over 2,700 defensive snaps played. He was one of PFF's higher graded run defenders at this position and has good ball production as well, with 15 interceptions and 20 pass breakups over four seasons. Despite the free agent additions made here, continuing to add to the safety room should be on Ballard's radar.
Edge rusher remains a need for the Colts, so not addressing this position until Round 5 feels like a missed opportunity. While receiver is a need, I would be prioritizing edge rusher over wideout at pick No. 47. Curry saw a big jump in production last season, posting 46 pressures and 12 sacks, according to PFF. He was also one of PFF's highest graded run defenders at this position group.
Although I said adding to the safety position should remain on Ballard's radar, spending two draft picks, which the Colts don't have a ton of, on this position makes little sense. Linebaker is a position that the Colts should be double-dipping at. The Colts hosted Gushiken on a pre-draft visit.
Behind Jonathan Taylor on the depth chart currently are DJ Giddens and Ulysses Bentley. Adding to the running back position in the draft is very much in play.
The Colts' starting five may be on the roster, but they are short on experienced depth up front behind that group.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Breaking down Colts' picks in Reuter's 7-round mock
Continue reading...
When it was all said and done, Reuter addressed the Colts' pressing needs -- although he may have done so in a bit of a roundabout way.
Let's dive into Reuter's final mock.
Pick 47: De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
Stribling fits the mold of what Chris Ballard looks for in a wide receiver. He is a very experienced player. During the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Stribling eclipsed the 800-yard mark and has been able to generate chunk plays, averaging almost 16 yards per catch over that span, which includes averaging an impressive 7.0 yards after the catch.
Pick 78: Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
Addressing linebacker on Day 2 feels like a must for the Colts. Louis has been very effective as a blitzer, recording 50 pressures over the last two seasons. In coverage, he's logged five pass breakups and six interceptions the last two years, while holding pass catchers to 8.4 yards per catch.
Pick 113: Bud Clark, S, TCU
An experienced safety with over 2,700 defensive snaps played. He was one of PFF's higher graded run defenders at this position and has good ball production as well, with 15 interceptions and 20 pass breakups over four seasons. Despite the free agent additions made here, continuing to add to the safety room should be on Ballard's radar.
Pick 156: Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State
Edge rusher remains a need for the Colts, so not addressing this position until Round 5 feels like a missed opportunity. While receiver is a need, I would be prioritizing edge rusher over wideout at pick No. 47. Curry saw a big jump in production last season, posting 46 pressures and 12 sacks, according to PFF. He was also one of PFF's highest graded run defenders at this position group.
Pick 214: Kapena Gushiken, S, Ole Miss
Although I said adding to the safety position should remain on Ballard's radar, spending two draft picks, which the Colts don't have a ton of, on this position makes little sense. Linebaker is a position that the Colts should be double-dipping at. The Colts hosted Gushiken on a pre-draft visit.
Pick 249: Rahsul Faison, RB, South Carolina
Behind Jonathan Taylor on the depth chart currently are DJ Giddens and Ulysses Bentley. Adding to the running back position in the draft is very much in play.
Pick 254: Logan Taylor, G, Boston College
The Colts' starting five may be on the roster, but they are short on experienced depth up front behind that group.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Breaking down Colts' picks in Reuter's 7-round mock
Continue reading...
