Colts Add Monstrous Defensive Weapon in Bold Draft Prediction

If Banks falls to the 47th pick, Indianapolis should follow Yates' prediction and snag Banks. Yes, defensive end and linebacker are needs, but it would be hard to pass up a player like Banks.

It might draw criticism with other, more pressing needs on the defense, but Buckner (31) and Stewart (32) aren't getting any younger.

Indianapolis already acquired Wooden, who had a solid year in 2025 with the Green Bay Packers. He's only 25 and started 16 games last season. He also secured 50 tackles and accompanied that with six for loss.

If Wooden can work well in the rotation in 2026, it could give Indianapolis confidence that he'll be the next man up. If Indianapolis can also draft Banks, you may have your next defensive tackle duo after Buckner and Stewart either leave the team or retire.

For his five-year career, Banks played 34 games and stacked up 48 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Banks is a well-rounded, intimidating presence for any defensive interior, and would give Indianapolis even more firepower along the trenches for new position coach, Marion Hobby.

This hypothetical pick would mean the Colts still have to figure out defensive end and linebacker, but it can still be done with time left in free agency and the other rounds in the NFL draft.

It's also safe to assume Ballard will trade back at some point to acquire additional draft picks; this is the long-time general manager's calling card come late April.

We'll see how the chips fall when Indianapolis gets their first pick in round two. It might not be the most well-received selection if it happens, but Banks has the talent to be a serious issue for offensive lines to handle.

If he falls that far, Indianapolis could do a lot worse than picking a potential Buckner or Stewart replacement.