Colts Meet with Top Wideout, FCS QB Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Indianapolis looking to bolster offense with potential early-round picks

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, fragmented painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp geometric shapes in navy blue, white, and metallic gold representing the Indianapolis Colts' offense.The Colts' draft strategy aims to reconstruct their offense through a geometric lens, blending new playmakers into a cohesive unit.Indianapolis Today

The Indianapolis Colts have met with Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell and North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Brazzell had over 1,000 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns in the SEC last season, while Payton was a two-time FCS champion and dual-threat QB for the Bison. The Colts are looking to add talent at both receiver and quarterback depth after trading away Michael Pittman Jr. and with uncertainty around Anthony Richardson's future.

Why it matters

The Colts are in a transition period on offense, needing to replace key playmakers like Pittman while also solidifying the quarterback position beyond starter Daniel Jones. Bringing in talented prospects like Brazzell and Payton could help reshape the Colts' attack for the long term.

The details

The Colts have met with several receiver prospects, including Louisville's Chris Bell and Indiana's Elijah Sarratt, but their meeting with Brazzell stands out. The 6'5" Tennessee wideout had a standout 2025 season, leading the SEC in receiving yards (1,017) and tying for the most touchdown catches (9). Payton, meanwhile, was a dual-threat force for FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, passing for over 2,700 yards and 16 TDs while also rushing for 777 yards and 13 scores in his final college campaign.

  • The Colts met with Brazzell and Payton on 30 visits ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26.

The players

Chris Brazzell

A 6'5" wide receiver who played his first two college seasons at Tulane before transferring to Tennessee, where he led the SEC in receiving yards (1,017) and tied for the most touchdown catches (9) in 2025.

Cole Payton

A two-time FCS champion quarterback who spent his entire college career at North Dakota State. Payton passed for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns while also rushing for 777 yards and 13 scores in his final season with the Bison.

Daniel Jones

The Indianapolis Colts' starting quarterback, who the team recently re-signed to a two-year, $88 million contract.

Anthony Richardson

The former fourth-overall pick by the Colts who has requested a trade, creating uncertainty at the backup quarterback position.

Riley Leonard

The Colts' current backup quarterback behind Daniel Jones.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Right now, we have seven picks. I would guess we end up with more.'”

— Chris Ballard, Colts General Manager

What’s next

The Colts will look to add more picks during the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially trading back or forward to acquire additional selections and bolster their roster.

The takeaway

The Colts are being proactive in meeting with talented offensive prospects like Brazzell and Payton as they look to reshape their attack through the draft. Adding playmakers at receiver and quarterback depth could be key priorities for Indy as they aim to build a contender around Daniel Jones.