Indianapolis Colts 7-Round 2022 Mock Draft: Double Dip At WR

Round 2, Pick 42: Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa

It is no secret, the Indianapolis Colts have suffered from unstable play at left tackle since Anthony Castonzo’s surprising retirement. While Fisher started 15 games in 2021, it was a mixed bag to put it mildly. Fisher never regained form and thus, the franchise moved on this offseason. Now, Matt Pryor is currently slated to start on the left side. I don’t want to bash Pryor, he is a solid player, but to entrust him with protecting the blindside of a 37-year-old quarterback is a risky proposition.

Tulsa’s Tyler Smith is still raw in pass protection, but he is a plus run blocker immediately. He also would have All-Pro Quenton Nelson to help him develop as a more all-around player. Pryor may be a bit better on week one, but Smith is the kind of ascending talent that will improve quickly under NFL coaching. If he’s available at No.42 overall, it makes too much sense to not happen.

Round 3, Pick 73: Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati

Alec Pierce is beginning to inch his way up draft boards, but there’s a real chance that the run on wide receiver pushes some guys farther down than expected. Pierce is a candidate, and if he is still available at No.73 overall, general manager Chris Ballard should pounce. Outside of Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts do not have a wide receiver on the roster with more than 20 targets in the 2021 season.

A TY Hilton return is still in the cards, and Parris Campbell might finally stay healthy in 2022, but reinforcements are needed regardless. Pierce was the top receiver for a Cincinnati team that made it all the way to the playoffs. He parlayed that success into an incredible showing at the Combine, flashing 4.4 speed to match his talents as a possession receiver. He would fit in next to MPJ for the foreseeable future.