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Indianapolis Colts 2026 NFL Draft Preview

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Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; The Indianapolis Colts logo is projected on the video board during the NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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The 2025 Indianapolis Colts rose to the throne only to have their kingdom crumble. Sadly, a devastating injury to Daniel Jones vanquished their playoff chances. However, after resigning Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million deal, the question becomes: Is Indiana Jones enough for this franchise? 

Offseason moves can be quiet; not so much for the Colts. Alec Pierce re-signed to a whopping four-year, $116 million deal. Also joining the pack were Arden Key on a two-year deal and Michael Clemons on a three-year deal. A few more under-the-radar signings boosted the Colts defensive front. 

Colts Draft Picks:

Despite their free agency moves, the Colts are aiming for an unprecedented amount of success in the draft. With only three picks in the first four rounds, every decision matters:

  • Round 2: Pick 47
  • Round 3: Pick 78
  • Round 4: Pick 113
  • Round 5: Pick 156
  • Round 6: Pick 214
  • Round 7: Pick 249
  • Round 7: Pick 254

Despite these few draft picks, general manager Chris Ballard has said they like to acquire picks: “We like to acquire picks…I would anticipate having more when it’s all said and done.” Knowing this, the Colts could aggressively trade to bolster positions of need.

Colts Positions of Need:

  • LB
  • EDGE
  • WR

Key Draft Targets for Colts:    

Anthony Hill Jr. – LB – Texas

Slated as a “future Pro Bowler”,  Anthony Hill Jr reminds fans of a young Bobby Wagner. Each season in college he progressively got better; he’s an all-around machine that ceases to impress. 

With an inexperienced LB core, Hill Jr. would fit perfectly in Lou Anarumo’s defense. Though Hill Jr. is a top LB prospect, he still needs work, which could see him fall to the second round. 

Joshua Josephs – EDGE – Tennessee

A lengthy framed menace on the edge, Joshua Josephs has the means of confusing even the best linemen. With more weight and development, Josephs has the potential to become a serious threat. 

The Colts need an explosive edge player that comes off the bench. Josephs can be just that for this team that lacks a deep front four. The standout Volunteer currently projects to be a late 3rd round selection. 

Skyler Bell – WR – UConn

Skyler Bell is the type of wide receiver the Colts are known for drafting. A solid, quick, mid-round receiver that plays similar to Michael Gallup. 

Although the Colts may have to trade-up to have access to Bell, a prospect consistently mocked as a third-round selection, he would be well-worth the investment. Especially in a wide receiver room that lacks talent around Alec Pierce. 

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Written by
Tobias Swiney

Tobias is currently a Senior at Liberty University studying a B.S. in Creative Writing: Journalism. From a young age he fell in love with football, and since then he has dedicated his time and efforts to turn his dream of analyzing and commentating professional football into reality. When he isn't writing articles about the Denver Broncos and Fantasy Football, you can catch him hosting his own podcast with his brother Seth.

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