The Indianapolis Colts started out 7-1 in 2025 before the wheels fell off. To be fair to the team, the Colts aren't in the worst spot ever, but it does feel like this team left a bit of meat on the bone in free agency. Indy, of note, was able to re-sign Alec Pierce and extend Daniel Jones.
However, there are now some notable roster holes that General Manager Chris Ballard has to fill, as you get the sense that if the team does not win and misses the playoffs in 2026, major change could come. Ballard has a losing record as the Colts GM and has just four winning seasons in eight years, so time could be ticking.
And in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Colts absolutely have to fill their remaining roster needs. There simply isn't another viable path for this team to take right now. After the shaky free agency, let's see what Indy could do in this year's draft.
Indianapolis Colts mock draft following iffy free agency period
47. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
As of now, the Colts starting linebackers could look like Akeem Davis-Gaither, Austin Ajiake, and John Bullock. If you have not heard of two of those players, that is understandable.
Simply put, this linebacker room could be the worst in the NFL right now, and sometimes, you simply have to draft for need. Indy does that at pick 47, landing Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech. The Colts do not have a first-round pick thanks to the Sauce Gardner trade.
78. Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
Another area where the Colts have to get better is along the defensive line. They probably had strong interest in Trey Hendrickson, as they could have reunited him with Lou Anarumo, their defensive coordinator, but Hendrickson signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
Taking the best pass-rusher on the board, the Colts snag more defensive line help with Malachi Lawrence from UCF.
113. Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
Indy traded Michael Pittman Jr to the Pittsburgh Steelers and now do have a vacancy at the receiver position. Being able to re-sign Pierce helped, but another addition is needed. Bryce Lance is a 6-3 target who could step into a similar role that Pittman had. Lance is a better athlete and could take advantage of certain matchups with Pierce now likely seeing the opposition's CB1.
156. VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
Safety Nick Cross signed with the Washington Commanders, so addressing another area of need in this mock draft would be a wise idea. The Colts take VJ Payne from Kansas State at pick 156 and continue to fill weaknesses. Indy does still largely have a solid roster, and Ballard himself typically does a good job in the NFL Draft, so this team isn't lacking talent by any means.
214. Owen Heinecke, LB, Oklahoma
Owen Heinecke is undersized for the position but did have 74 total tackles and three sacks for the Sooners in 2025. More of a depth option here, the Colts take him at pick 214 and add another young player to the linebacker room.
249. Luke Altmyer, QB, Illinois
The Colts re-signed Jones on a two-year deal worth $44 million per season, but Jones will be coming off an Achilles injury and obviously did not sign anything long-term. It would be a good idea for the front office to take a shot on a late-round quarterback prospect. Riley Leonard is another quarterback of note in the room, so the Colts should continue stacking options until they find a long-term solution, whenever that might be.
254. Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas
To wrap up this latest Colts' mock draft, they'll take even more defensive line help here with Trey Moore from Texas. Moore has 50 career tackles for loss and 30.5 sacks in 57 collegiate games.