2nd/3rd Round starts on April 24th at 7pm on NFLN/ESPN
4th Round and beyond starts on April 25th at 12pm on NFLN/ESPN.
1. Edge rusherEdge rusher remains the Colts’ biggest roster need. The depth is improved, but the defense still lacks a true complementary pass rusher opposite Laiatu Latu who can consistently win one-on-one and force offenses to account for both sides. Until that second high-end edge threat is added, the front will continue to rely too heavily on one player to generate pressure.
2. Off-ball linebackerThe second level still needs a true every-down linebacker with range, coverage ability, and the athleticism to hold up in space. Akeem Davis-Gaither adds depth and flexibility, but the defense is still missing a player who can stay on the field in passing situations without becoming a target. Until that changes, the middle of the defense will remain vulnerable.
3. Wide receiverWide receiver is still a major need, particularly on the outside. Josh Downs is best suited for the slot, Alec Pierce fills the vertical role, and Tyler Warren adds another dimension, but the offense still lacks a true outside target who can win in multiple ways and replace the all-around value Michael Pittman Jr. provided. The room has useful pieces, but it still is not complete.
4. SafetySafety remains an unsettled spot next to Cam Bynum. The depth options currently in place look more like rotational or backup players than a clear full-time answer, and that creates instability on the back end of the defense. It is slightly less urgent than the top three because a stronger front seven could help protect it, but it is still a meaningful need.
5. Offensive line depthThe starting offensive line is good enough, but the depth behind it is a concern. There is no obvious swing tackle and no proven versatile interior reserve who can step in without a notable drop-off. Over the course of a long season, that lack of reliable depth can quickly become a serious problem.
6. Running back depthRunning back depth is the least urgent need, but still one worth addressing. Jonathan Taylor remains the engine of the offense, but adding another back who can handle third downs, catch the football, and protect in pass protection would help keep the offense functional and take some load off Taylor late in the year.
Quarterback: Drew Allar, Penn State — Big arm, big potential.
Running Back: Emmett Johnson, Nebraska — Receiving back who can compliment Jonathan Taylor perfectly.
Wide Receiver: Elijah Sarratt, Indiana — Someone who can replace Pittman right away and checks all the boxes.
Tight End: Sam Roush, Stanford — Throwback tight end can compliment Tyler Warren perfectly.
Offensive Tackle: Blake Miller, Clemson — Right tackle who can compete against Jalen Travis to replace Braden Smith
Interior Offensive Lineman: Logan Jones, Iowa — Remington Award winner can come in and make the group instantly better.
Edge Rusher: Zion Young, Missouri — High motor, high effort player who can compliment Laiatu Latu.
Interior Defensive Lineman: Darrell Jackson Jr, Florida State — Large imposing human who can serve as the long-term replacement to Grover Stewart as the run stopping specialist and nose tackle.
Off–Ball Linebacker: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech — Well rounded stud who can start right away
Cornerback: D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana — The little but talented corner can serve as the perfect replacement to Kenny Moore.
Safety: AJ Haulcy, LSU — Hard hitter who can replace Nick Cross
Always worth checking out Chris’ annual draft leak conspiracy article.