The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2023 NFL draft with many needs, the most important being a franchise quarterback. They took care of that selection with their first-round pick and now head to Day 2 looking to fill some more of their remaining needs.
For example, they still need an offensive lineman, a cornerback, an edge rusher, and a wide receiver. Depending on the health of Shaquille Leonard and the Colts’ feeling about more playing time for E.J. Speed, they could also use a linebacker. Day 2 of the draft will start tonight at 7M ET, and as of this writing, Pittsburgh has the first pick in Round 2.
The Colts head into tonight’s round of drafting with only two picks. It wouldn’t be surprising to see GM Chris Ballard trade down in the second round to pick up an additional draft selection for tonight. The Colts only have eight more draft picks after last night.
- Second round: 35th overall
- Third round: 79th overall
Here is a look at the Indianapolis Colts’ mock draft for Day 2
Related: 2023 NFL mock draft Day 2: Will Levis, Hendon Hooker come off the board early
Indianapolis Colts mock draft: Day 2 projections
Round 2, 53rd overall: Cam Smith, cornerback, South Carolina* – TRADE
- Trade idea: Indianapolis sends 35th, 106th, and 138th overall picks to Chicago for the 53rd and 61st overall picks
As previously mentioned, seeing the Indianapolis Colts trade back in the second round would not be surprising. Getting an additional second-round pick is something Ballard loves to do. Here we see the Colts make a trade with Chicago, sending the 35th overall, the 106th (fourth round), and the 138th (one of their three fifth-round picks) overall picks. In return, Indianapolis gets Chicago’s 53rd and 61st overall picks.
Moving back is a difficult decision for the Colts as they could be passing up on some high-end talent. However, in this case, they are able to successfully address three of their biggest remaining needs. We begin with cornerback Cam Smith, who could fall to the Colts. If he does, they might be hard-pressed to pass on him. He comes with good size for a cornerback, 6-foot-1, and 180 pounds.
Length at the cornerback position, along with short-area quickness, is something that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley covets. Smith is drawing comparisons to a former AFC South cornerback in A.J. Bouye.
Smith’s skills may not be the best fit for playing on the outside at the NFL level. But considering the current slot corner, Kenny Moore’s contract is up after this season, it would make sense for the Colts to draft his replacement. Smith could provide an initial play on the outside before moving into the slot. That is, if he doesn’t excel on the outside.
Related: Indianapolis Colts owner suggests team could take Will Levis at top of Round 2
Round 2, 61st overall: Keion White, defensive end, Georgia Tech
Keion White is a massive human being, listed at 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds. He has the size and skills to play both on the edge and on the inside. He would be the second-tallest defensive end and third-tallest defensive lineman on the Indianapolis Colts roster. His versatility along the defensive line would allow the defense to better rotate players, keeping them fresh.
White is still a bit raw and will need some refinement. This shouldn’t be too big of a concern considering a couple of current Colts also needed more seasoning when they were drafted, Tyquan Lewis and Dayo Odeyingbo. Both of them have shown Indianapolis’ patience was well worth it.
White will never be a speed rusher off the edge, but because of his size and strength combo, he should still be able to succeed in the NFL and wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. With enough hard work, White could be a long-time fixture along the Colts’ defensive line.
Round 3, 79th overall: Jonathan Mingo, wide receiver, Ole Miss
This pick could be another divisive one, as some fans may want to see the team take an interior offensive lineman, and others would be just fine with a wide receiver being selected. But teams love to surround their franchise QBs with talented pass-catchers.
Well, the Colts already have, or potentially have, some offensive help in place. Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr, and Isaiah McKenzie will provide initial support for Richardson. And then there are last year’s rookies Alec Pierce and Jelani Woods, who could help Richardson too.
One thing that is severely lacking with the Colts’ playmakers is their ability to separate. McKenzie should be the best of the wide receivers in this aspect, but his production to date does not promote much confidence.
Enter Jonathan Mingo, another highly skilled wide receiver out of Ole Miss. Mingo has the size that Ballard covets and the speed (4.42 40-yard dash). Getting Mingo would also be a nice insurance policy if the Colts decided to trade Pittman later on.
Related: 2023 NFL Draft order: Picks by team, Rounds 1-7 and live tracker