Colts Seek Pass Rusher and Depth in Draft Without 1st-Round Pick

Indianapolis fills key offensive needs but faces challenges on defense ahead of NFL Draft.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:22pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp planes of blue, white, orange, and yellow representing the Colts' uniforms and the action on the field.The Colts' offseason moves set the stage for a draft focused on rebuilding their defensive depth and pass rushing capabilities.Indianapolis Today

The Indianapolis Colts have re-signed quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce, addressing their top offensive priorities this offseason. However, the team now faces the challenge of finding a pass rusher and overall defensive depth without a first-round draft pick.

Why it matters

The Colts' inability to land a top pass rushing talent in the draft could hamper their defensive efforts, especially against high-powered offenses in the AFC South. Rebuilding depth on that side of the ball will be crucial for the team to remain competitive in their division.

The details

After locking up Jones and Pierce, the Colts' focus shifts to the NFL Draft, where they will look to address needs on defense. Without a first-round pick, the team will have to get creative to find an impact pass rusher and shore up their depth across the unit.

  • The Colts re-signed quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce in the offseason.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Daniel Jones

The Colts' starting quarterback who they re-signed this offseason.

Alec Pierce

The Colts' top wide receiver who they re-signed this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“We feel good about the moves we've made on offense, but we know we have work to do on the defensive side of the ball. The draft will be crucial for us to find the right pieces to round out our roster.”

— Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts

What’s next

The Colts will look to the 2026 NFL Draft to find a pass rusher and add depth to their defense, despite not having a first-round pick.

The takeaway

The Colts have addressed their top offensive needs, but now face the challenge of rebuilding their defense without a premium draft pick. Their ability to find impact players in the later rounds will be crucial to their success in the upcoming season.