The Indianapolis Colts will be hoping to build on last year’s 9-8 campaign which saw them make a playoff push despite losing rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson for the season after just four games. The Colts were unable to make the postseason due to a loss to the Texans in Week 18 but Richardson coming back this season gives the team something to look forward to. Here’s a look at how Indianapolis should look to improve their roster through the draft as they try to build around their young quarterback.
2024 Mock Draft: Indianapolis Colts
Key Offseason Additions
The Colts didn’t do too much in free agency, re-signing their own free agents rather than chasing others. They added Joe Flacco, who had a resurgent campaign with the Browns, to be the backup quarterback. The most important re-signing was star receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who will be Richardson’s top target in 2024.
Key Offseason Losses
Gardner Minshew, the quarterback who stepped up in Richardson’s place last season, is now in Las Vegas with the Raiders. Running back Zack Moss is also out, so there’s a possibility Indianapolis will add a player for the position late in the draft for depth behind Jonathan Taylor.
Colts First Three Picks
Indianapolis could actually trade down from the 15th spot to build up more draft capital but there are several ways the team could go. One approach would be to continue surrounding Richardson with weapons offensively, while the other would focus on improving a defense that struggled to stop the run and ranked 28th in points allowed per game.
Round 1, Pick #15 — Quinyon Mitchell, CB
Mitchell was one of the standouts at the Senior Bowl and showcased his physicality against some of the best receivers. The Toledo cornerback was one of the best players in the conference and set a school record for passes broken up over a career. The Colts could use a potential shutdown corner to help their defense, and Mitchell’s size will allow him to be a factor in run support too.
Round 2, Pick #46 — Payton Wilson, LB
The 4.43 40-yard dash helps Wilson’s stock tremendously, mostly because it shows he’s back after a series of injuries. The NC State linebacker has been a tremendous athlete his whole career and could fly around in the middle of the field for Indianapolis from the first snap. Stopping the run is his forte but he can likely hold his own in man coverage against tight ends. Given some of the passing attacks the Colts will face in the conference, having a versatile linebacker like Wilson will be nice.
Round 3, Pick #82 — Jaden Hicks, S
The Washington State safety does have some issues, particularly when it comes to coverage. However, he’s able to deliver big hits and is aggressive in run support, which is where the Colts could really improve next season. He’s going to need to show some improvement when it comes to deep ball coverage, especially since there are some superstar receivers in this division he’ll be tangling with. The Colts could use some depth in the secondary, and Hicks will make plays in the backfield against the run enough to see meaningful snaps in his rookie season.