Colts 7-round mock draft: Edge rusher in round 1

The Colts have a crowded edge rusher room, so if they are going to add at this position, I think It needs to be in round one. The Colt's edge rush room has multiple solid players, but it lacks a true number-one edge rusher to lead the group. I see a significant dropoff after the top three in this class, so I think there is a solid argument to target an edge rusher at pick 15.

Many, including myself, have Alabama's Dallas Turner as the top edge in this class. But I have a hard time believing he makes it to the Colts at 15. I only have one other player in this class that I think has the potential to become a top-tier pass rusher in the NFL, and that is UCLA's Laiatu Latu. Latu's bag of pass-rush moves is deep, which will help him hit the road running at the NFL level. And we saw at the Senior Bowl just how dominant he can be against some of the best tackles in this year's class. If he got a clean bill of health at the Scouting Combine I think he very well could be on the table for the Colts at 15. 

Round 2, Pick 46: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina 

Many want the Colts to add an explosive offensive weapon in the first round, but in this mock, after the Colts went edge rusher in round one, they have to use day two of the 2024 NFL Draft to target this need. At the WR position the Colts need to add a player who can stretch the field and attack defenses vertically, and slide into their starting Z WR role opposite of Michael Pittman Jr. on the outside. Luckily for the Colts, this year's WR class is loaded with talent, and they should still have plenty of solid options still on the board at pick 46. 

One of those options could be South Carolina WR Xavier Legette. Legette has become a favorite for multiple NFL fan bases, as many believe he should be considered a first-round pick with some. of the other top WR prospects in this year's class. And I see why many think this, he certainly has an exciting skill set that could lead to a team falling in love with him, but I personally think he hears his name called in round two.  Legette fits the type of WR the Colts are in the market for, as well as fitting what the team has prioritized in the past athletically when drafting WRs. Legette could play both the X or the Z at the pro level, which could allow the Colts some flexibility when it comes to deploying their WRs. Legette's 4.39 speed and play strength could be a nightmare for opposing CBs and a scary weapon for Anthony Richardson and the Colts offense.

Round 3, Pick 82: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame

With the Colts choosing not to make any outside move at CB this offseason, waiting till round three would be a risky decision. A player I like in this range, though, is Notre Dame CB Cam Hart. Hart tested well at the Scouting Combine, but I think he improved his draft stock the most at the 2024 Senior Bowl. During the week of practice, two CBs impressed me the most with their coverage ability and success in one-on-one drills against WRs, a drill that heavily favors the WR. Those two players were Toledo CB Quinyon Mithcell, who solidified himself as a first-round pick, and the other was Hart.

I honestly think Hart is a good enough prospect to get consideration from NFL teams in round two, but currently, he is projected to go in the third or fourth round. Hart could compete with Jaylon Jones and Dallis Flowers to be the Colts' second starting outside CB, opposite Juju Brents. But even if he can't win that job as a rookie, he provides the Colts with a solid depth CB with the potential to develop into a longtime starter.

Round 4, Pick 117: Cole Bishop, S, Utah

Another position that many are shocked that the Colts didn't make an outside addition in free agency is FS. The Colts did recently re-sign SS Julian Blackmon which drastically improves the outlook of their safety room. But it was clear last season that Rodney Thomas II and Nick Cross shouldn't just be handed the starting job at FS next year. So if the Colts aren't going to bring in a vet to start, they at least need to consider drafting a player to compete for the job in training camp.

On day three, the options could be slim, but a player that I think could make sense is Utah safety Cole Bishop. Bishop spent time a significant amount of snaps at both safety spots for Utah and even has extensive experience playing in the slot. Bishop could undoubtedly battle for the Colts' starting FS position next season, but if for some reason he couldn't win the job, he would be a solid depth piece at both safety positions and slot CB behind Kenny Moore II. 

Round 5, Pick 151: Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire

With the Colts losing Zack Moss to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency this offseason a backup RB becomes a need. And I think this class provides the chance for the Colts to find a pass-catching back to elevate this offense. As well as finding a player the Colts can trust to take some of the load off Jonathan Taylor in the run game. 

I think one of the most proven receiving backs in this class is New Hampshire RB Dylan Laube. Laube may come from a small school, but his impact there was massive. He led New Hampshire in rushing yards, receiving yards, carries, receptions, and rushing touchdowns. Laube has the potential to be a true dual threat but his ability as a reliever can help him carve out an early role in the NFL. 

Round 6, Pick 191: Dylan McMahon, C, North Carolina State

Another position that I think is an underrated need is center. They don't need a starter on day one, with Ryan Kelly coming off a really strong season. But Kelly is entering the last year of his contract and will turn 31 years old before the season. So, adding a center that the Colts can develop behind Kelly and potentially become the starter in a couple of seasons would be a wise plan.

I think this class has a lot of athletic options that I could see the Colts having a high grade on. With them having to target other positions earlier, I went with North Carolina State center Dylan McMahon. Last season was McMahon's first full year at center. He previously spent time at both guard spots as well as center during his first two seasons. He needs a lot of polishing, but if the Colts take a late-day three shot on a center, McMahon provides a high-upside option. 

Round 7, Pick 234: Jontrey Hunter, LB, Georiga State

Last but not least, It's not a Colts mock draft if you don't include a day-three shot at LB. And this class has multiple options that fit what the Colts need and typically prioritize at the position. I think a skill they need to prioritize at LB is coverage ability. Both Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed had strong seasons last year, and if the Colts could add a LB who excels in coverage, I think it would help elevate both Franklin and Speed's game.

A LB I would love the Colts to take a shot on is Georiga State's Jontrey Hunter. He is coming off his best season to end his six-year college career. He set new career highs in total tackles (95), forced fumbles (3) and pass deflections (4). Hunter has a lot of skill, and with some NFL coaching, I think we could look back and say he was one of the steals of the 2024 NFL Draft. He is coming off his best college season.