Indianapolis Colts 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Adding Playmakers
By Evan Bachman
Round 4, 119th Overall: Amare Barno, EDGE, Virginia Tech
With Al-Quadin Muhammad, Tyquan Lewis, and Kemoko Turay all being free agents this offseason the Indianapolis Colts may need to look into adding some depth at edge rusher via the draft.
Amare Barno won’t be ready to play a significant role on an NFL defense as a rookie, but he does have plenty of developable traits. He needs to fill out his frame a bit, but he’s got good height at 6-foot-6 with long arms and he’s pretty athletic. Ultimately, you’re probably not going to get someone who’s ready to make a significant impact in year one in the fourth round, but getting someone with potential is a plus.
Round 5, 157th Overall: Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
Similar to edge rusher, the Indianapolis Colts may want to add some depth at wide receiver as T.Y. Hilton, Zach Pascal, and Ashton Dulin are all free agents.
Alec Pierce has enough of a skillset to carve out a role with an NFL team. He’s got good height at 6-foot-3, which he used to his advantage at Cincinnati as he hauled in a lot of contested catches.
Pierce isn’t elite as a route runner or a separator, but he does have good speed. He certainly has potential, so getting him in the fifth round would be good value for the Colts.
Round 5, 178th Overall: Cole Turner, TE, Nevada
Cole Turner is a good example of someone who may not have all-pro type of potential, but can still contribute. I think he can be utilized as a jump ball, contested catch type of receiver. He has good size at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds and it was something he excelled at for Nevada. He may not have the type of speed to be a high-level pass catcher, but if he can be utilized correctly I think he can have a role for the Indianapolis Colts.
Round 6, 216th Overall: Ben Brown, OL, Ole Miss
Ben Brown is someone who provides value as a late-round pick in terms of versatility, as well as experience playing in a very competitive conference. He played right guard this year in his fourth season of starting before a torn bicep ended his season, but he also has experience playing center as well.
Round 7, 236th Overall: Mike Jones Jr., LB, LSU
Mike Jones Jr. has seen his draft stock go down this season as he has struggled a bit in his switch to more of an inside linebacker role. However, I think Jones Jr. showed enough at Clemson to warrant a draft pick.
At Clemson in the 2020 season, Mike Jones Jr. was a pretty versatile defender as he lined up at defensive end, in the box, and in the slot and he was impressive in coverage recording two interceptions.
Round 7, 237th Overall: Jerreth Sterns, WR, Western Kentucky
Jerreth Sterns probably wasn’t on NFL teams radar’s coming into the season, however a stellar season at Western Kentucky after a transfer from Houston Baptist he could hear his name called in this draft if he decides to declare.
He is undersized at 5-foot-9, however he has very good hands and ability after the catch. Obviously, it wasn’t against a high level of competition but his 1902 receiving yards this season is eye-popping and lead all of college football.