NFL expert's mock draft has Colts making an unexpected move

It’s no secret the Indianapolis Colts need a quarterback, but who and how they will acquire a starter might surprise many fans, according to NFL.com’s top draft analyst.

Recently, Lance Zierlein released a new mock draft, weeks ahead of the actual event. He has the Indianapolis Colts acquiring Lamar Jackson – the holdout QB for the Baltimore Ravens who asked for a trade – using the No. 4 pick.

There was no suggestion of what the entire cost in draft capital for Jackson would be in Zierlein’s mock, but it starts with the top-five pick. The Ravens used the pick to draft Ohio State Quarterback C.J. Stroud in the mock.

But the news was the new team for a former NFL MVP. Jackson would make the day’s drive from Baltimore to Indianapolis under the scenario. He has been in a contract dispute with the Ravens over a reported more than $200 million in guaranteed money. The team placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson and any team could sign him and give up two draft picks.

Instead, Zierlein has Indy swinging a trade and landing the star.

The Colts have seen a revolving door at QB since Andrew Luck unexpectedly retired. They have tried young guys and retread veterans, but neither has led to much success.

Jackson would instantly add stability to the position bringing in her career 96.7 QB rating. He would also add in a career 63.7 completion percentage, along with more than 4,400 career rushing yards.

It would be a massive upgrade at the position with a proven player instead of just drafting a QB for the Colts and hoping for the best. Jackson would make the team a playoff contender, especially in the weaker AFC South.

New Colts head coach Shane Steichen would be able to work with the mobile Jackson. He was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia and turned Jalen Hurts into an MVP candidate using the same style of zone read that helps Jackson excel.

The Colts could also weaken a fellow AFC team in Baltimore by adding a new QB forcing them to rebuild around a young signal caller.

The move makes sense in fit and coaching, now the NFL world will wait to see if Zierlein’s prediction comes true.