3 Fringe First-Rounders Who Could Fall to Colts in Second Round

The NFL Draft is full of surprises, and the Colts could benefit from some prospects sliding down the board.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:09pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and draft prospects, with sharp planes of color in navy, orange, and green representing the chaotic nature of the draft process.The unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft could allow the Colts to land some top talent in the second round.Atlanta Today

The NFL Draft often sees highly touted prospects fall from their projected first-round slots, and the Indianapolis Colts are in a prime position to potentially scoop up some of these fringe first-rounders in the second round. Three players who could slide and fit the Colts' needs are UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, Georgia linebacker CJ Allen, and Miami edge Akheem Mesidor.

Why it matters

The Colts don't have a first-round pick this year after trading it away for star cornerback Sauce Gardner, so they'll need to maximize value in the second round. Landing any of these talented players who were once expected to go in the first round would be a major coup for the team's rebuilding efforts on defense.

The details

Malachi Lawrence has seen his draft stock rise after a strong performance in the All-Star circuit, while CJ Allen is a linebacker prospect who fits the Colts' needs and playstyle. Akheem Mesidor is a productive edge rusher from Miami, though his advanced age (25) has caused some concerns about his long-term potential.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Malachi Lawrence

UCF defensive end who had 28 tackles, 11 TFLs, 7 sacks, 3 PDs, and 2 FFs in 2025, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors. Impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.52 40-yard dash, 40" vertical, and 10'10" broad jump.

CJ Allen

Georgia linebacker who could be the perfect replacement for Zaire Franklin in the Colts' defense. Similar size and playstyle to Franklin at 6'0", 230 lbs.

Akheem Mesidor

Miami edge rusher who led the Hurricanes with 12.5 sacks and 17.5 TFLs in 2025, though his advanced age (25) as a rookie has caused some concerns.

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What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, so the Colts will have to wait and see if any of these fringe first-rounders fall to them in the second round.

The takeaway

The Colts don't have a first-round pick this year, but they could still land some top talent in the second round if a few highly touted prospects slide down the board. Malachi Lawrence, CJ Allen, and Akheem Mesidor are all players who could provide immediate impact on the Colts' defense.