The Indianapolis Colts replaced a struggling Carson Wentz with former NFL MVP Matt Ryan under center this offseason.
For general manager Chris Ballard and Co., this opens their window when it comes to conference title contention. In short, even an older Ryan is a better quarterback than last season’s iteration of Mr. Wentz.
Before we delve into the Indianapolis Colts mock draft, let’s check in on the picks that they boast for the annual event in Las Vegas.
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2022 Indianapolis Colts draft picks
- 2nd round, 42nd overall
- 3rd round, 73rd overall
- 4th round, 122nd overal
- 5th round, 159th and 179th overall
- 6th round, 216th overall
- 7th round, 239th overall
Indianapolis Colts mock draft: Walking a tight rope
The Colts must walk a tight rope during the NFL Draft. Ballard has built up a roster capable of contending. Finding immediate impact performers will have to be a core part of their process.
However, Indy still has find a way to build for the future. That’s especially true at the quarterback position where there’s been a revolving door.
Related: Ranking top 2022 NFL Draft QBs
2nd round, 42nd overall: Christian Watson, wide receiver, North Dakota State
Indianaplis boasts a stud young receiver in Michael Pittman Jr. for Mr. Ryan. The former USC standout put up 88 receptions for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns while catching 68% of his targets as a sophomore last season.
There’s just not a lot behind him on the Colts’ depth chart right now. Running backs Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines were the team’s next leading receivers. Zach Pascal departed in free agency while tight end Jack Doyle announced his retirement. In short, the Colts need to add both a vetean receiver and a high-round draft pick.
That’s where Watson comes into play. If the North Dakota State product had played at a higher level in college, he would likely be a first-round pick. The 6-foot-4 wide receiver is an imposing option on the outside. He consistently wins against man coverage and has initial quickness at the line. His ability to provide instant throwing windows would loom large as a rookie in Indy.
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3rd round, 73rd overall: Rasheed Walker, offensive tackle, Penn State
Former Pro Bowler Eric Fisher remains a free agent after starting 15 games at left tackle last season. The Colts are set to rely on veteran journeymen Matt Pryor and Shon Coleman to compete fo the starting spot opposite Braden Smith.
Short of Indianapolis moving All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to left tackle (that’s not happening), the team must find someone to compete. Walker (6-foot-6, 312 pounds) could be just that guy. He’s been a full-time starting left tackle for Penn State over the past three seasons, going up against elite-level competition in the Big 10. Performing well against said competition, he could even end up being a Day 1 starter. This would be an absolute steal for the Indianapolis Colts in Round 3.
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4th round, 122nd overall: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
The addition of Pro Bowler Yannick Ngakoue in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders changes the dynamics some. We previously had Indianapolis spending a high-round pick in its mock draft. That’s no longer going to be the case with Ngakoue and 2021 first-round pick Kwity Paye teaming up.
Even then, there’s a need for depth and young talent out on the edge. If Sanders had opted to go pro following his junior season with Cincinnati (10.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks), he’d likely have been a second-round pick. Despite some struggles as a senior last season, there’s still some upside here.
Rounding out the Indianapolis Colts mock draft
- 5th round, 159th overall: Tariq Carpenter, safety, Georgia Tech
- 5th round, 179th overall: Charlie Kolar, tight end, Iowa State
- 6th round, 216th overall: Derion Kendrick, cornerback, Georgia
- 7th round, 239th overall: Bailey Zappe, quarterback, Western Kentucky
Tell us what you think about our Colts mock draft in the comments section below.