Colts' 7-round 2026 NFL Draft according to PFF mock draft simulator after NFL Combine

Indianapolis must rely on smart value selections without a first-round pick

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 NFL Draft without a first-round pick after trading it away in a blockbuster deal for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. Using the PFF mock draft simulator after the NFL Combine, the Colts' projected seven-pick class reflects a strategy built on defensive reinforcements, developmental quarterback depth, and high-motor prospects.

Why it matters

The Colts' lack of a first-round pick places additional pressure on general manager Chris Ballard to extract maximum value from the middle rounds. The team must prioritize defensive reinvigoration and long-term stability, with needs at linebacker, defensive interior, and safety.

The details

The Colts' projected draft class includes safety AJ Haulcy (LSU) to stabilize the secondary, center Connor Lew (Auburn) to strengthen the offensive line, defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard (Texas Tech) to provide disruptive energy, offensive lineman Aamil Wagner (Notre Dame) as a developmental prospect, quarterback Taylen Green (Arkansas) as a low-risk developmental swing, linebacker Owen Heinecke (Oklahoma) as a special teams contributor, and tight end Dae'Quan Wright (Mississippi) as a vertical mismatch weapon.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft takes place in late April 2026.

The players

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts who must extract maximum value from the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft without a first-round pick.

Sauce Gardner

An All-Pro cornerback acquired by the Colts in a blockbuster trade, signaling the franchise's commitment to competing immediately.

Daniel Jones

The Colts' quarterback who was recently placed on the transition tag, but is coming off an Achilles injury.

Anthony Richardson

The Colts' quarterback whose inconsistent health makes drafting a developmental quarterback a logical move.

Germaine Pratt

A linebacker who left the Colts in free agency, creating a need at the position.

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What’s next

The Colts will look to address their defensive needs and develop their quarterback depth through the remainder of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Without a first-round pick, the Colts must rely on smart value selections in the middle rounds to strengthen their roster core and position the team for both short-term competitiveness and long-term stability.