The Indianapolis Colts flashed serious potential last season, looking like one of the NFL's best teams at times. However, their momentum stalled in the weeks before Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles injury, prompting a bold move. The franchise went all-in, trading away their 2026 first-round pick and top 2027 selection to acquire All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.

That aggressive trade now shapes their immediate future as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches next Thursday. Without a first-round pick and not selecting until No. 47 overall, the Colts face a challenging draft board. Their only other selection in the top 116 picks comes in the third round at No. 78, making it difficult to predict which prospects will still be available.

Despite the late start, Indianapolis has reportedly zeroed in on specific mid-round talent. According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, the Colts are "very high" on TCU linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr, whose draft stock has soared recently. Projected as a Day 2 pick, he aligns perfectly with the Colts' selections at 47 and 78.

Pauline notes that Elarms-Orr's game exploded over the past nine months. Once considered a late-round prospect, a terrific senior campaign and standout performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine have cemented him as a Day 2 target. "He’s cemented himself as a Day 2 pick and could slide into the initial 60 picks," Pauline wrote.

The Colts aren't alone in their interest. The Broncos, Texans, Panthers, and Vikings have also interviewed Elarms-Orr and are reportedly "very high" on him. Scouts praise his athleticism and quickness, though they note his football IQ needs development—a common trait for prospects that NFL coaching can refine. For a Colts defense looking to build around stars like Gardner, adding a high-upside linebacker could be a savvy move in a draft where they lack early capital.