Colts Post-First Round Mock Draft Addresses Pressing Needs

With their first pick, the Colts take a powerful edge rusher in Gabe Jacas. Ballard doesn't have the best history when it comes to drafting defensive ends, but Jacas presents himself as a prospect who should make an immediate impact at the professional level thanks to his size and strength.

Jacas, who is 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, recorded 19 sacks across his final two seasons at Illinois. On top of getting to the quarterback, he has a knack for getting the ball on the ground, tallying six forced fumbles over the same span.

The Colts could use someone opposite of Laiatu Latu after losing Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis in free agency.

R3, No. 78 | WR De'Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss

After trading away Michael Pittman Jr. and Adonai Mitchell over the span of a few months, the Colts desperately need help at wide receiver. That's where Ole Miss standout De'Zhaun Stribling enters the picture.

Stribling was a key piece of the Rebels' offense in 2025 as they made their College Football Playoff run. In the playoffs alone, Stribling hauled in 17 receptions for 278 yards and a touchdown.

Stribling has strong hands and can really move after the catch, which somewhat replicates the qualities that Pittman brought to Indy's offense. He could be a reliable option who makes an immediate impact for Shane Steichen.

R3, No. 98 | LB Kyle Louis, Pitt

Kyle Louis fits the mold of the "modern linebacker" as a player who can stop the run and be athletic in coverage. Louis is certainly undersized, but he makes up for it with his range and motor. There have been talks that Louis could play as a hybrid safety/linebacker, which is something the Colts have been interested in throughout previous drafts (Jaylon Carlies, Hunter Wohler).

Over the past two seasons as a full-time contributor at Pitt, Louis has recorded 179 total tackles, 10 sacks, six passes defended, six interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He has a knack for getting to the ball, which is a quality that Ballard has loved at linebacker in the past.

R4, No. 120 | S VJ Payne, Kansas State

VJ Payne is the classic Ballard gamble on athleticism. Payne earned a 9.74 RAS score thanks to his 4.40s 40-yard dash and 6-foot-3 frame.

Payne was a four-year player at Kansas State, spending the final three years as a consistent contributor. Across his career, Payne recorded 207 total tackles, nine passes defended, four forced fumbles, and four interceptions.

After losing Nick Cross in free agency, the Colts could use another name to add to their safety room. The team already signed Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas in free agency, but it couldn't hurt to add a rookie in the mix.

R5, No. 153 | RB Roman Hemby, Indiana

The Colts haven't brought in any help at running back, but they could use some fresh legs behind Jonathan Taylor. Realistically, I could see Indy adding one of Roman Hemby or Kaelon Black to their roster, and in this scenario, Hemby was the perfect fifth-round talent.

Hemby was the leading rusher for the national champions this past season, finishing with 1,120 yards on 230 carries for seven touchdowns. In the passing game, Hemby added another 165 yards on 17 receptions.

In the words of Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, Hemby is a "warrior". That sounds like the type of guy you want in your backfield.

R6, No. 214 | OG Ar'maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M

To be completely honest, I think the Colts will take offensive line help earlier than they do in this mock draft. Unfortunately, the talent wasn't shaking out the way I had hoped, so Indy was forced to settle with Ar'maj Reed-Adams to help the interior.

Coming out of a physically demanding SEC environment, he has experience against high-level competition, which often translates well to the next level. Reed-Adams allowed one sack on the season, but he was also penalized nine times, which is a trait he'll need to resolve at the professional level.

For the Colts, he would likely begin as a backup guard with the potential to grow into a starting role if his fundamentals improve.

R7, No. 249 | QB Joe Fagnano, UConn

The Colts met with Fagnano during the pre-draft process, and knowing Stiechen, they could easily spend one of their Day 3 picks on another quarterback. With Anthony Richardson Sr. expected to be traded, Fagnano could slot himself in as the team's QB3 in 2026.

At 25-years-old, Fagnano is one of the oldest players in this year's class. He has seven years of college football under his belt, which could prove beneficial as he tries to dissect film at the next level.

In 2025, Fagnano recorded 3,448 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just one interception on a 69% completion rate. He was one of the best passers in the NCAA, but he also played low-level opponents all season long.

R7, No. 254 | DT Uar Bernard, Nigeria

This one's fun. Uar Bernard has never played football in his life, but he's possibly THE most athletic player in draft history. He represents a pure upside gamble.

The Colts already have fantastic depth along the defensive interior, but if they can coach Bernard into a real football player, he could be unstoppable. At 6-foot-4 and 306 pounds, Bernard has a mindblowing 6% body fat. His 4.63s 40-yard dash and 10-foot-10 broad jump are among the fastest/longest ever recorded for defensive tackles.

Indy met with Bernard during the pre-draft process, so you know he's on Ballard's radar. If he's still on the board by the end of the draft, why not take a chance on him?