Colts Mock Draft: Loading the roster around quarterback Anthony Richardson
By Hunter Haas
The Indianapolis Colts got off to a hot start in Year 1 of the Shane Steichen era. Even without his prized first-round rookie, Anthony Richardson, for much of the campaign, Indy was in the driver’s seat of the AFC South. That is, until the latest three-game skid. In today’s mock draft, let’s assemble a worthwhile defense for the upstart Colts offense.
Positions Of Need For The Indianapolis Colts
As of this writing, there are a few glaring holes on the roster that must be addressed. Cornerback is incredibly young, and although JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones are promising, another high-end building block would go a long way toward fixing the position.
Elsewhere on defense, the Colts lack a top-tier pass rusher off the edge. Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo are good, not great, so adding one of the premier sack artists would make sense for Chris Ballard and Co. Depth at linebacker needs some work, and the same is true on the interior defensive line if the recently-suspended Grover Stewart doesn't return.
On offense? It all boils down to Richardson’s health and the offensive line keeping him clean. The line hasn’t been able to build continuity as a group, as nagging injuries have kept at least one starter sidelined over the first two months. More insurance behind the current starters, including a potential opening at center or right guard in the offseason, will make o-line depth a priority.
The weaponry group is stacked, assuming WR1 Michael Pittman Jr. and the Colts find common ground on an extension. Rookie Josh Downs is on pace for a 1,000-yard campaign and looks like a steal for the Shoe. The running back room is arguably the best in the NFL with the two-headed attack of Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss. Perhaps another playmaker is in the cards at wide receiver or tight end.
Colts Mock Draft: Loading The Roster Around Anthony Richardson
Without further ado, with the landscape of the current Colts depth chart laid out, let’s dive into a fresh mock draft. We will use the current draft order via Tankathon, putting Indy on the clock at No. 7 overall.