Indianapolis Colts NFL mock draft: Projections after Carson Wentz trade

As the new league year draws closer, moves are bound to be made. The first big domino has fallen. The Indianapolis Colts have traded for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. They are sending the Eagles a 2021 third-round selection, and a 2022 second-rounder that is also a conditional first-rounder. Per Adam Schefter, If Wentz plays 75 percent of the team snaps or plays 70 percent and the Colts reach the postseason, that second becomes a first-round pick.

This move feels like an all-in by Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard. This team had a very good roster in 2020 that is close to competing for a title with a few more pieces. Now, the addition of Wentz could be a big part of that. Wentz has familiarity with head coach Frank Reich, who was in Philly when Wentz had his best years.

Wentz coming in brings a big cap number, but the Colts have room to spare. It’s entirely possible that Ballard is nowhere near done in terms of free agency this offseason, and could bring in a top free agent to help out the offense or defense.

Another positive from this deal is that Colts fans don’t have to suffer watching a quarterback mocked to them early in the 2021 NFL Draft. Gone is any chance that Alabama quarterback Mac Jones is the pick at 21.

So what will the Indianapolis Colts do in the 2021 NFL Draft?

A trade back makes a ton of sense now for Ballard to recoup those lost selections. In this mock draft, we will look at a trade-back scenario. Here are the details.

This is a large return for the 21st pick here for the Indianapolis Colts. Acquiring two third-round selections to recoup the loss from this year, along with adding a second-rounder next year, gives the Colts plenty to keep reloading the roster.

It’s time to dive in, analyze the trade back and see who Ballard gets with this fresh Colts mock draft.