The Indianapolis Colts made several bold moves in free agency this spring. From transition tagging and extending Qquarterback Daniel Jones, to making Alec Pierce the sixth-highest-paid wide receiver in the league, to moving on from longtime Colts such as Michael Pittman Jr, Zaire Franklin, and Braden Smith
All of those were follow-ups to the bold move GM Chris Ballard made at the trade deadline of trading two first-round picks for Cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Now the Colts are a fresh, new version of themselves with their offense built around the strengths from last year - Jones, Pierce, Tight End Tyler Warren, Running Back Jonathan Taylor, and an offensive line made up mostly of mid-round picks.
But the defense is still looking for an identity. Last year was the unit's first under Lou Anarumo, and four starters from 2025 will not be with the team in 2026. And two veterans of the group last year, DeForest Buckner and Charvarius Ward, dealt with injuries.
So in this draft, Indianapolis needs to focus on adding young talent on defense. And in this mock, they start that process by trying to find their next star linebacker.
Round 1 Pick 16 Overall: Traded for Sauce Gardner
This was the pick the Colts traded for Gardner.
Gardner played in just four games for Indianapolis last year before sustaining a calf injury that kept him out until Week 17.
Round 2 Pick 47 Overall: Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas
In his first three drafts as the Colts GM, Ballard drafted five starting linebackers: Anthony Walker, Shaquille Leonard, Zaire Franklin, Bobby Okereke, and E.J. Speed. And many of those guys stuck with the team for a long time. But with the trade of Franklin this offseason, the room is as bare as a paint can.
So with this first pick for the Colts in this mock, they take Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. Hill is a do-it-all linebacker who plays sideline-to-sideline, can come downhill, and drop back into coverage. He is average-sized, but explosive athletically. At 6'2, 238 pounds, he posted a 4.51 40-yard dash and 125" broad jump.
Everything Hill does is fast, and that's because of his natural speed, but also football instincts. Run or pass Hill can see the play developing and get to the ball quickly. He's also willing to come downhill and take on guards in the run game, though his average size causes him to get swallowed up at times.
His overall pass coverage is also impressive. That IQ and athleticism are on display along with his natural feel in zone coverage, making him a true three-down linebacker.
In a deep linebacker class, it's possible Hill can make it to the Colts at 47. And if he does, Indianapolis can have their next long-term starter in the middle of the defense.
Round 3 Pick 78: L.T. Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Next up the Colts need some more young talent on the defensive line. With Bucker missing time in each of the last two seasons, J.T. Tuimoloau's quiet rookie season, and several edge rusher snaps gone out the door in free agency, L.T. Overton from Alabama is the pick here.
Overton has the size to play defensive tackle (6'3, 274 pounds) but also the experience to play out on the edge (899 snaps over the last two seasons).
With his strength and frame, Overton is stout against the run. He uses his 10 and 5/8 inch hands to disengage from blockers in the run game, as well as keep blockers' hands off of him when he attempts to rush the passer. Even though he isn't a super productive pass rusher (six sacks in two seasons), he is very skilled with his hand use.
Overton would give the Colts an experienced edge player who can provide snaps as a run defender from day one. Plus, with his strength and hand useage I could also see him as an effective player inside over guards and centers. And over time, he could turn into a useful pass rusher to work off of Laitu Latu and hopefully Tuimoloau.