Colts 7-round mock draft: WR in round 1

If the Colts were to draft a WR at 15, I think the best fit and the most likely option is LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. The Colts want to add a WR with speed who can attack defenses vertically and, in turn, make their offense more explosive. And that's Thomas Jr.'s game to a tee. He's coming off a year where he led the FBS with 17 receiving touchdowns, which helped secure his QB Jayden Daniels the Heisman trophy.

There are some slight concerns with Thomas Jr.'s route tree not including many short and intermate routes, which very well could be accurate, but it also could simply appear that way because he wasn't asked to do it often. That's something teams use the draft process to figure out by meeting with players and speaking with their college coaches. The Colts sent WR coach Reggie Wayne to LSU's pro day to get a closer look at Thomas Jr., something they've done for multiple of the top WRs in this class that they have a realistic chance of selecting. If the Colts add Thomas Jr. to their WR room, they'd have one of the most intriguing young WR groups in the NFL, which would aid the team's biggest priority: Anthony Richarson's sophomore season. 

Round 2, Pick 46: Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon 

If the Colts go WR in round one, I think it's safe to assume their second-round pick needs to be an addition to their secondary. And a player I'm watching in round two for the Colts is Oregon CB Khyree Jackson. Jackson's size checks a big box for the Colts at 6'3", 194 lbs. Some may be shocked to see the Colts selecting Jackson due to him being one of the top press-man cornerbacks in this year's class, and he isn't one of the CBs who had a blazing fast 40-yard dash time with his 4.50 run. But with the WR talent in the AFC South, I think the Colts need CBs ready to make life hard on opposing WRs.

And a duo of Jackson and Brents will do just that; no yard is earned easily, and the Colts would have multiple CBs on their roster that they could trust in press coverage, which they've tried to incorporate more over the past couple of seasons. I think both Brents and Jackson have the size and skill set needed to become a true CB 1 in the NFL with some development. And if the Colts went this route, they'd have both, and if one can reach their ceilings, it would be massive for the entire Colts defense.

Round 3, Pick 82: Calen Bullock, S, USC

After grabbing a CB, the Colts still have one more glaring area of need in the secondary, and that is their FS position. They finally brought back Julian Blackmon to be the team's starting SS, but currently, Rodney Thomas II is projected to be the team's starting FS. And he struggled mightily in that role last season. The Colts need more consistent play at this position, and they need a player they can trust in single-high situations.

The player in this class that I think best fits the Colts is USC FS Calen Bullock. His coverage ability is second to none in this class, and was asked to play in single high extensively at USC. I think Bullock would be an upgrade at FS on day one, but he also isn't being selected too high where the Colts can still look to add a vet off the free agency market to help groom Bullock. The biggest concern with Bullock's game is his struggles making tackles. He takes poor lanes and struggles to bring players down at too high of a rate when he wraps them up. This will need to be coached up at the next level, but his coverage ability should help more incompletions or even turnovers occur, which, to me, is worth the risk with his poor tackling. 

Round 4, Pick 117: Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville 

This may seem high to draft a RB who will be a priority backup to Jonathan Taylor at best, but Louisville's Isaac Guerendo can be a weapon for the Colts. Guerendo was one of the stars of this year's NFL Scouting Combine, where he recorded the fastest 40-yard dash (4.33), highest vertical (41.50"), and the second furthest broad jump (10'9") of any RB who participated.

Guerendo wasn't asked to be a large contributor in the receiving game at Lousiville, but I think he has a high ceiling at the next level. I also think he could be developed into an elite return man, which has become a priority again for NFL teams after the rule change this offseason. So, while round four may seem early for a backup RB, there are multiple ways Guerendo could see the field as a rookie, and I think he can make the Colts more dynamic in multiple different ways to warrant the selection. 

Round 5, Pick 151: JD Bertrand, LB, Notre Dame

JD Bertrand, out of Notre Dame, is one of my biggest sleepers in the 2024 NFL Draft at LB. He had a strong week at the Senior Bowl, showing off his versatile skill set in coverage and the run game. The former Fighting Irish captain has an elite football IQ and should be able to carve out an early role in the NFL on special teams. But I think he can be a priority backup LB early on with a solid skill set the Colts could look to develop into a future starting LB. This is similar to what the Colts did with current defensive captain Zaire Franklin. 

Round 6, Pick 191: Jalen Green, Edge/LB, James Madison

Another sleeper of mine in this class is James Madison's Edge rusher, Jalen Green. Green popped off for a massive season last year, where he ended with 18 sacks and 34 QB hurries after being asked to rush the passer at the highest rate of his career. There are some questions around the NFL Draft scene on whether Green is a LB or an edge rusher at the next level. But to me, once you realize a player excels at rushing the passer, that is too valuable to move them elsewhere. Whoever lands Green should put him on the line and let him attack the QB, and I think he has a ton of upside as a day-three pick. 

Round 7, Pick 234: Nick Jones, G/C, Mississippi State

And to end the draft, the Colts snag a versatile offensive linemen in Nick Jones out of Mississippi State. Jones projects as both a guard and a center at the next level and is projected to go late on day three or even could be an undrafted free agent target. But I think his elite athleticism for the position could entice the Colts enough to beat the undrafted free-agent market by drafting him here. And they could bring him into training camp to battle for a backup role at either center or guard.