7- Round Colts Mock Draft: Anthony Richardson Joins Shane Steichen in Indy
By Hunter Haas
![Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) celebrates after diving into the end zone for a touchdown in the second half against LSU at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 15, 2022. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs Lsu Tigers](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Faf93705f48c9bb472bb113676eebf50fdb76b76e937b9ce81e359aa134e324dd.jpg "Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) celebrates after diving into the end zone for a touchdown in the second half against LSU at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 15, 2022. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs Lsu Tigers")
Round 5, No. 140: Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
The Colts employ arguably the best running back in the NFL in Jonathan Taylor. However, following an injury-riddled season that saw the All-Pro miss extended time, the team must add some depth behind him.
Nyheim Hines went to Buffalo at the trade deadline, and although Deon Jackson played well in the aftermath, the offense was clearly lacking a game-breaking wrinkle out of the backfield. Enter Kansas State sparkplug, Deuce Vaughn.
Vaughn is incredibly short and will require the front office to make an exception to its own rules. It would be wise to look deeper than the measurables. The Wildcat ball carrier is an explosive running back who is nearly impossible to bring down in space and is an incredible pass catcher out of the backfield.
Using resources on a running back looks silly on paper, but with a rookie quarterback likely on the way, there are worse moves than adding a player who can take any snap to the end zone. A high ceiling check-down specialist makes for the ideal 1-2 punch with Taylor. Vaughn can chip in for the special teams unit, too.
Round 5, No. 164: Chandler Zavala, OG, NC State
Even with moving Raimann to the right guard position, there is nothing wrong with added competition on the offensive line. If Steichen truly wants to replicate what he built with the Eagles, he needs as many capable bodies in the trenches as possible.
Chandler Zavala is a bruiser in the run game and brings the intensity that becomes infectious to the entire unit. He sets one of the strongest anchors in this draft class, using his vice grip hands to lock up the assignment. Competition is preached by Indy… let the best man win the job in training camp!
Round 7, No. 223: Dillon Doyle, LB, Baylor
Dillon Doyle passes the eye test with flying colors, but some off-the-field rumblings have negatively impacted his draft stock. In this mock draft, the Colts take a chance on a linebacker with above-average athleticism and a hunger to improve. Indy could lose Bobby Okereke this offseason, so depth at linebacker is vital.
Round 7, No. 238: Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State
Another offensive lineman? Can you tell that the unit had a down season in 2022? Ryan Kelly did not play to the level we are accustomed to seeing from the former Alabama first-round pick. The Colts could cut or trade Kelly in mere months.
Juice Scruggs will never be the best center in the NFL, but he brings a stable floor to the league. Scruggs made 25 starts over the past two seasons for the Nittany Lions and plays with enough agility to be an impact blocker in zone-run packages. Worth the flier with the final selection of this mock draft.