The Colts are heading into the 2026 draft without a first-round pick. Chris Ballard has built his reputation on stockpiling picks, acquiring as many “darts to throw at the dartboard” as possible. That’s why last year’s trade for Sauce Gardner was so surprising. It went against everything Ballard has typically avoided as a general manager.

I thought the trade was reckless at the time, and I still do, but not because the Colts are without a first-round pick in 2026.

Even so, while the Colts are happy to have Gardner starting on their defense, and likely aren’t too concerned about missing a pick in what’s viewed as a weaker draft, they now enter draft week with glaring needs and limited resources to address them.

In free agency, the focus was on keeping the offense intact while reshaping the defense in a single offseason. They moved on from aging, underperforming players and replaced them with younger options who offer some upside. It may not look great on paper, but neither did many of the Seahawks’ moves at this time last year.

Still, the reality is simple: the Colts need depth, competition, and legitimate talent to field even a remotely competitive defense in 2026.

Given how the offseason has unfolded, does it make sense for the Colts to trade additional 2026 picks to better address those holes?

When the Colts traded for Sauce Gardner at the deadline, it was an “all-in” approach to try and maximize a historic start on offense. They viewed cornerback as too important to future success in the playoffs to keep patching up year after year— and Gardner was a long-term solution rather than another short-term fix.The Colts failure to capitalize in 2025, means that not only is the pressure even higher for this regime in 2026, but that they also have less resources to try and flip aging parts of their roster at premiere positions.

So 2026 represents a pivotal year for this franchise, which I know feels like every year in Indianapolis, but remains true nonetheless.

In my opinion, if the Colts want to acquire known commodities, the Colts should feel the pressure to use 2026 picks, so that they aren’t forced to use 2027 resources when even more of their roster needs turning over… and maybe led by a new regime.

The Colts are in desperate need of pass-rush help. Outside of Laiatu Latu, who has yet to fully emerge as a premier edge rusher, there aren’t many reliable options. While there’s some depth, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where the current group is enough to anchor a quality defensive line.

We’ve already heard the Jonathan Greenard rumors, and there’s been some light buzz around Josh Sweat potentially being available.

There is growing buzz around the league that the #Steelers could deal one of Alex Highsmith or Nick Herbig during the draft. According to one insider, Highsmith is viewed as being the more likely candidate.Read more @Steelersdepot https://t.co/HTbpuxWqKz

Now, there’s even speculation that both of the Steelers’ EDGE rushers could be on the market.

Depending on how the board falls, it could make sense for the Colts to move one of their remaining picks to land a proven player. Prospects like Gabe Jacas or Dani Dennis-Sutton may eventually develop into strong contributors, but asking them to step in as immediate, quality starters as rookies is a risk the Colts may not be able to afford.

Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith are two larger OLB who can play the run and have pass rush upside. Herbig is the younger player with more upside, but Alex Highsmith is more likely to be traded.

heck of a play by Alex Highsmith (#56) to fight through this TE double-team and make the tackle for loss pic.twitter.com/VWhXV9a4JN

This is a play from two years ago, but really shows off Alex Highsmith’s skillset that would hypothetically translate into the Colts scheme.

In Lou Anarumo’s defense, DE’s will have to reduce down vs. certain formations and play multiple gaps over the TE. Look at Highsmith get into a two-point stance and squared up to play multiple gaps. Once he reads toss to his side, watch him spit the double team and then force the cutback, while fighting through George Kittle trying to wash him out of the play.

Alex Highsmith and Keanu Benton balled out against the ColtsHighsmith – PBU on 3rd & 3, ghost move for the strip-sack, TFLBenton – POA, penetration, pass-rush x 2 pic.twitter.com/4RwF9gtckB

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) November 3, 2025