Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; The Indianapolis Colts logo is projected on the video board during the NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Indianapolis Colts 2026 NFL Draft Preview

Originally posted on The Lead | By Tobias Swiney | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 2:33 PM ET

The 2025 Indianapolis Colts rose to the throne only to have their kingdom crumble. Sadly, a devastating injury to Daniel Jones vanquished their playoff chances. However, after resigning Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million deal, the question becomes: Is Indiana Jones enough for this franchise?

Offseason moves can be quiet; not so much for the Colts. Alec Pierce re-signed to a whopping four-year, $116 million deal. Also joining the pack were Arden Key on a two-year deal and Michael Clemons on a three-year deal. A few more under-the-radar signings boosted the Colts defensive front.

Colts Draft Picks:

Despite their free agency moves, the Colts are aiming for an unprecedented amount of success in the draft. With only three picks in the first four rounds, every decision matters:

Round 2: Pick 47
Round 3: Pick 78
Round 4: Pick 113
Round 5: Pick 156
Round 6: Pick 214
Round 7: Pick 249
Round 7: Pick 254

Despite these few draft picks, general manager Chris Ballard has said they like to acquire picks: “We like to acquire picks…I would anticipate having more when it’s all said and done.” Knowing this, the Colts could aggressively trade to bolster positions of need.

Colts Positions of Need:

LB
EDGE
WR

Key Draft Targets for Colts:

Anthony Hill Jr. – LB – Texas

Slated as a “future Pro Bowler”, Anthony Hill Jr reminds fans of a young Bobby Wagner. Each season in college he progressively got better; he’s an all-around machine that ceases to impress.

With an inexperienced LB core, Hill Jr. would fit perfectly in Lou Anarumo’s defense. Though Hill Jr. is a top LB prospect, he still needs work, which could see him fall to the second round.

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Joshua Josephs – EDGE – Tennessee

A lengthy framed menace on the edge, Joshua Josephs has the means of confusing even the best linemen. With more weight and development, Josephs has the potential to become a serious threat.

The Colts need an explosive edge player that comes off the bench. Josephs can be just that for this team that lacks a deep front four. The standout Volunteer currently projects to be a late 3rd round selection.

Skyler Bell – WR – UConn

Skyler Bell is the type of wide receiver the Colts are known for drafting. A solid, quick, mid-round receiver that plays similar to Michael Gallup.

Although the Colts may have to trade-up to have access to Bell, a prospect consistently mocked as a third-round selection, he would be well-worth the investment. Especially in a wide receiver room that lacks talent around Alec Pierce.

This article first appeared on The Lead and was syndicated with permission.

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