Colts Land Homegrown Gadget in 3-Spherical Mock Draft

As the 2026 NFL draft edges nearer, the Indianapolis Colts are persevering with to solidify their imaginative and prescient for the long run. The Colts will not have a first-round choose on this yr’s draft, however there’s loads of expertise hiding down the board.

Barring any trades, the Colts’ first choice will include the forty seventh total choose. It’s exhausting to know what course they will take since free company hasn’t opened, however by draft time, Indy’s wants might be clear.

I had my second go on Pro Football Focus‘ mock draft simulator, and the Colts had some elite expertise fall into their palms. Depending on how free company shakes out, this might be one of many extra practical draft eventualities for Indy.

Pick No. 47 | Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana

At No. 47 within the second spherical, the Colts go native, choosing Omar Cooper Jr., an Indianapolis native and breakout extensive receiver from the Indiana Hoosiers.

Cooper was an important piece of the Hoosiers’ offense, ending as their main receiver on the season with 937 yards on 69 receptions, 13 of which had been touchdowns. Cooper was additionally used on the bottom, getting three rushes for 76 yards and a landing.

This choose turns into more likely if the Colts transfer on from both Michael Pittman Jr. or Alec Pierce. Indy should resolve how a lot they need to pay Pierce, and if the 2 sides cannot agree on a value, the Colts might use their franchise tag on him to maintain him in Indy.

Pittman, alternatively, is beneath contract for one more season at a value of $29 million. If the Colts minimize him, they’ll save $24 million. As a veteran and locker room chief, it is exhausting to think about normal supervisor Chris Ballard giving him the axe after one mediocre season.

Even if Pittman and Pierce each return, the Colts nonetheless might use a choose on a large receiver (they did so two years in the past with Adonai Mitchell). Cooper is an Indiana native, so taking part in within the capital could be a becoming approach to begin his skilled journey.

Cooper is a flexible weapon who will be lined up out extensive and within the slot. At 6’0″ and 201 pounds, he forces an exceptionally high rate of missed tackles thanks to his agility and open-field quickness.

With an offensive-minded head coach in Shane Steichen, the Colts shouldn’t be afraid to pull the trigger on another receiver who can learn under Reggie Wayne.

Pick No. 78 | Kyle Louis | LB | Pittsburgh

With wide receiver addressed, the Colts fully focus on their defensive front seven. At linebacker, they need a young impact player; Kyle Louis can fill that role from the jump.

Louis is a tad undersized to play linebacker at just under 6’0″, however he can match up with any offensive participant in protection. Because of his peak, it is potential Louis could be utilized in a extra versatile linebacker/security position within the NFL.

The Colts want depth at security anyway, which is precisely why it is sensible to usher in a participant who can play each spots in Indianapolis.

Since 2024, Louis ranks first amongst all FBS linebackers with 31 tackles for loss and 50 quarterback pressures, and he ranks eighth in protection grade (87) in line with PFF. He’s tallied 179 whole tackles, 10 sacks, 6 passes defended, 6 interceptions, and a couple of pressured fumbles over that span.

The Colts’ linebackers struggled in protection in 2025. When you have a look at Lou Anarumo’s defenses, there are often solely two linebackers on the sphere. Louis might play everywhere in the subject, and contemplating Anarumo loves gamers with numerous skillsets, Louis sounds proper up his alley.

Personally, I really like this mock draft. This might be a dream state of affairs for Indianapolis.

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