Regardless of who the team has at quarterback, the Indianapolis Colts will be in a great position to add talent around them. They currently sit at ~70 million dollars in available cap space and will be able to add top talent if they choose to do so.
Historically, Chris Ballard is not a big spender in free agency. You can count on one hand the times he has paid a player big money that he didn’t draft himself. Pressure from his boss might be enough to push him into being a little more liberal with the money this offseason, but his bread and butter will always be the NFL Draft.
Outside of Michael Pittman Jr., the Indianapolis Colts do not have a single above-average player in the wide receiver group. That is unacceptable in this day and age. Kylen Granson is currently the only tight end on the roster and — even if they bring back Mo Alie-Cox — they should be looking to add more talent there.
The left tackle position is arguably the second most important spot on the roster, behind only quarterback. The Colts unfortunately do not have a starter at either spot for the 2022 season. They’ll definitely need to find a solution there, because it doesn’t matter who the quarterback is if he doesn’t feel protected.
Defensively, the unit is very strong overall. The young edge rushers — Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo — improved throughout the past season. Cornerback features two starters on the outside (Rock Ya-Sin and Isaiah Rodgers), and one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL — Kenny Moore ll.
The safety duo is great, when healthy. The “when healthy” part is a major caveat there, because Julian Blackmon and Khari Willis have both missed time in their professional careers. Darius Leonard is one of the best in the league at his position, as is Deforest Buckner. They’re supported by Bobby Okereke and Grover Stewart, giving the Colts a dominating presence up the middle.
Indianapolis Colts 7-Round Mock Draft: Replacing Carson Wentz
Now that we know what the roster is currently in need of, let’s see what a potential draft class could look like. I am working under the assumption that the team will add a veteran to be the week one starter at quarterback and left tackle. Under that premise, it’s time to kick this mock off at pick 42!
Round 2, Pick 42: QB Sam Howell (North Carolina)
It is no question that the biggest hole on the roster for the Indianapolis Colts is at quarterback. The value of Sam Howell at 42 was too good to pass up. Ideally, he won’t see the field at all during the 2022 NFL season. Whether it is Jimmy Garoppolo, Teddy Bridgewater, or another veteran, this is a long-term play drafting North Carolina product.
Howell has no shortage of arm talent, but the mental processing aspect is something he must improve before supplanting a veteran as QB1. This move takes all the pressure off of Howell, allowing him the freedom to develop in Indy.
Round 3, Pick 73: OT Rasheed Walker (Penn State)
Rasheed Walker is a polarizing option in draft circles. The concerns are valid, he’s extremely raw. Much like Howell, Walker would benefit greatly by taking a redshirt as a rookie. Bringing in a veteran to be a stopgap at left tackle helps the team today, and for the future.
If Ballard can land Duane Brown or another veteran on a short-term deal, it would provide the perfect bridge until Walker is ready to take over as the franchise left tackle.
Round 3, Pick 82: WR Calvin Austin lll (Memphis)
Calvin Austin set Twitter ablaze after a tremendous showing at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He surely caught the eye of the hometown team, as the Indianapolis Colts are possibly going to be in search of a TY Hilton replacement.
Austin and his track star speed fits the bill. He would be a menace from the slot, giving the team a field stretcher that is a necessity to Frank Reich’s system. He is more advanced as a route runner than he gets credit for, too. A perfect fit.
Round 4, Pick 120: CB Coby Bryant (Cincinnati)
Coby Bryant being available at 120 feels like highway robbery. He is a bit slower than others in this class, but the 4.5 speed will more than hold up in zone-heavy schemes. New Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley likes to be aggressive with his corners, so Bryant will need to continue improving his man-to-man capability, but he is an immediate contributor to this roster.
Round 5, Pick 158: TE Jelani Woods (Virginia)
Jelani Woods was another breakout star in Indianapolis. He ran like a gazelle in the 40-yard dash with his crazy long strides. Woods never had an elite season at the collegiate level, so some projecting and betting on the traits is at play here. The Indianapolis Colts recently lost Jack Doyle to retirement, and it is unsure if the team will bring Mo Allie-Cox back. Even if they do, Woods would be a great addition to Allie-Cox and Granson.
Round 5, Pick 177: LB/S Sterling Weatherford (Miami OH)
Sterling Weatherford is a sleeper that is not getting near enough attention. He has been a safety for a majority of his life, but is making the transition to linebacker at the next level.
This positional flexibility gives Gus Bradley a wildcard to deploy at different levels of the defense. He doesn’t have the top end speed to play safety full-time, but he is savvy enough to hold his own if you need him to log some snaps back there. A great depth piece for the linebacker and safety positions.
Round 6, Pick 216: OT Myron Cunningham (Arkansas)
Myron Cunningham played well during his time at Arkansas. He manned the left side, and profiles as a swing tackle at the next level. Cunningham may never become a starter in the league, but the depth is something that many teams covet.
Round 7, Pick 236: S Zyon McCollum (Sam Houston)
Zyon McCollum has very little experience against NFL-caliber talent. During his time at the Senior Bowl, he flashed his physical abilities throughout the week. At times, he looked overwhelmed by the sheer amount of talent surrounding him. If he’s able to find his footing in a locker room, there’s a real chance he blossoms into a solid player.
Round 7, Pick 237: WR Ty Fryfogle (Indiana)
The Indiana boy stays home with the blue and white. Ty Fryfogle suffered from inconsistent quarterback play during his time with the Indiana Hoosiers. He possesses NFL-size as a boundary wide receiver, and is worth the flier this late in the draft for the Indianapolis Colts. Competition never hurts.