Colts predicted to make massive trade up in 2023 NFL Draft

The Indianapolis Colts have to do everything in their power to ensure that they address their need for a quarterback this offseason. Why they aren’t going all-in on Lamar Jackson, who is seemingly available from the Baltimore Ravens, is anyone’s guess.

Could it be because Indianapolis has a plan to find their quarterback of the future in the 2023 NFL Draft? The Colts are currently slated to pick fourth in the first round, which would normally put them in a great position to land a top quarterback prospect. However, with how things have shaken out already, they aren’t on the sturdiest footing.

The Carolina Panthers trading up with the Chicago Bears to secure the No. 1 overall pick was a blow to the Colts’ chances. Now, their hopes of landing one of the top-three quarterback prospects lie in the hands of the Arizona Cardinals, who are picking third overall.

It would not be shocking if the Cardinals traded that selection to a quarterback-needy team. Teams are willing to pay a premium price to select a signal-caller, and Arizona could cash in. That is exactly what Mel Kiper Jr. has the Cardinals doing in his most recent mock draft.

Alas, the team making the move up is the Colts. The Colts jumped from No. 4 to No. 3, ensuring they get, at worst, the No. 3 rated player on their board. It is a worthwhile move for Indianapolis to make to mitigate the risk of not getting the quarterback they covet.

In this mock draft, they end up selecting Will Levis out of Kentucky. Levis had an up-and-down 2022 season playing with an underwhelming supporting cast of Wildcats that was lacking elite talent. He took full responsibility for the team’s lackluster performance, however, which is the kind of leadership you want from your quarterback.

Possessing all of the tools you want from a franchise guy, Levis makes a lot of sense for the Colts. He has experience playing in a pro-style offense as well, which is the cherry on top as the weapons for him to succeed in the early going are in place.

New head coach Shane Steichen would love to get his hands on Levis, and the two could be a wonderful pair. After seeing the work he did in two years with Jalen Hurts, Colts fans and the organization would likely be excited to see what Steichen can do with Levis under center.