Colts 7 round 2026 NFL mock draft: Indy attacks

Round 2, Pick 47: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

The Colts' biggest need remains the same now as it was before the first wave of free agency began; you could even argue the need has grown. They swung and missed on Trey Hendrickson and have watched Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam land deals elsewhere.

The team's pass rush is near the bottom of the league on paper right now, so it feels like a lock that one of their day two picks will address the position. I have them taking the athletic phenom out of UCF, Malachi Lawrence. A gifted speed rusher who has a solid frame, who can try to fill out a bit early in his NFL career.

UCF EDGE Malachi Lawerence's college career stats

• 2022: 3 games, 2 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, 0.5 tackles for loss
• 2023: 13 games, 27 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss
• 2024: 11 games, 15 total tackles, 5 sacks, 6 tackles for loss
• 2025: 12 games, 28 total tackles, 7 sacks, 11 tackles for loss

Round 3, Pick 78: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

The Colts moved on from Zaire Franklin this offseason, making an already giant need at linebacker even bigger. The team needs to add multiple players at the position to properly give Lou Anarumo what he needs to have a roster that fits his defensive scheme. Lucky for them, this linebacker group is one of the deepest positions in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

I would still like to see them add a veteran to the room in free agency, but it would be foolish not to also look to add one more of the talented LBs in this class. Add youth and upside to a room that lacks both. Here I have the Colts selecting Missouri LB Josiah Trotter, who has an NFL bloodline thanks to his father and brother and has an incredibly high football IQ to show for it. Trotter would likely be a day one starter for the Colts, and that would feel like a win for pick 78.

Round 4, Pick 113: De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

The Colts were able to retain WR Alec Pierce despite many doubting their ability to do so ahead of the offseason. To do so, though, they had to move on from Michael Pittman Jr., trading him to the Pittsburgh Steelers to get off his contract. That creates a pretty big hole in the WR room, and the draft just might be the best way for them to fill it now.

I think my favorite WR fit in this class, specifically for the Colts, is Ole Miss' De'Zhaun Stribling. Stribling has the ability to play both the X and Z WR roles, which would offer some flexibility with him and Pierce. He's fantastic in the middle of the field and after the catch and is a strong blocker in the run game. He would fill multiple roles on the field that Pittman Jr. had in the offense, but help make the room younger and faster.

Round 5, Pick 156: DeShon Singleton, S, Nebraska

The Colts lost starting safety Nick Cross to the Washington Commanders in free agency. Which means they have a starting spot in their secondary up for grabs. A day three pick in the 2026 NFL Draft isn't going to be handed a starting job out of the gate, but I do think this safety class is deep and could very well shock some people with how many starters come out of the group altogether.

DeShone Singleton out of Nebraska is a dynamic playmaker who had three interceptions and seven pass deflections over the last two years as a full-time starter for the Cornhuskers. He has the ability to play multiple spots in the secondary, either safety position or even as a slot corner. His great athletic ability makes me think that playing a hybrid role that lets him roam the field and use his instincts at a high rate may be the best usage for him. He would be solid competition for Hunter Wohler and a couple of vets the team has already signed at safety.

TRADE: Colts send 214 (sixth round), 249 (seventh round), and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for pick 168 (fifth round)

Round 5, Pick 168: J'Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia

The Colts use a couple of their large list of day three picks to trade up and add their second offensive player of the class. Virginia's J'Mari Taylor is an explosive runner who began his career in the FCS but made the most of his one year in the FBS at Virginia. He rushed for over 1000 yards and scored 15 total touchdowns.

The Colts drafted DJ Giddens last year, hoping he would be Jonathan Taylor's backup going forward, but he wasn't able to carve out a role as a rookie. Taylor's 4.39-second 40-yard dash speed is evident on film and would be a welcome addition to the room as they look to take some of the load off Taylor's plate to keep him fresh throughout a full season.

Round 7, Pick 254: Luke Altmyer, QB, Illinois

The Colts kept starter Daniel Jones around with a new deal this offseason, but are likely going to add at least one other quarterback ahead of training camp. The team seems set on trading Anthony Richardson away to give the former first-round pick a fresh start. Riley Leonard had some nice flashes in his one start in the season finale against the Houston Texans, but giving him competition for the backup role would likely be best for him and the team.

Illinois' Luke Altmyer is a smart player who had some big moments during his time in the Big 10. He isn't going to be a guy a team looks at giving a shot at being their starter, but it could make a lot of sense for a team to try and develop him into a long-term backup. And as a seventh-round pick, if he doesn't work out, the Colts would have no issue cutting him as part of their moves to get down to 53 players after training camp.