Indianapolis Colts mock draft 2024: Providing support for Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts mock draft 2024, Colts 7-round mock draft

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Who will the Colts draft in 2024? The 2024 NFL Draft is closing in and the Indianapolis Colts are just a few weeks away from deciding their next draft class. Our 7-round Colts mock draft takes a look at what Indianapolis could do in the NFL Draft.

Before diving into our Colts mock draft, here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to know.

Indianapolis Colts draft picks 2024

Here are the Colts draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

First Round, 15th overall
Second Round, 46th overall
Third Round, 82nd overall
Fourth Round, 117th overall

Fifth Round, 151st overall
Sixth Round, 191st overall
Seventh Round, 234th overall

Indianapolis Colts draft needs 2024

Here are the Colts draft needs in 2024.

Cornerback
Wide Receiver
Safety

Edge Rusher
Running Back

Colts mock draft 2024: Addressing top needs early

First round, 15th overall: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo Rockets

We lead off our Colts mock draft 2024 by addressing the team’s biggest need. In 2023, Indianapolis allowed a 65.1 percent completion rate, 226 passing yards per game and an average 88.2 QB rating to opponents. While those numbers are about league average, a big reason for that is because of the Colts’ ability to generate pressure. In the secondary, Indianapolis was routinely exploited for big plays.

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The Colts arguably should’ve been in a position where they didn’t have to use their first-round pick on the best cornerback available, but general manager Chris Ballard couldn’t land L’Jarius Sneed. So, Indianapolis takes Quinyon Mitchell. Fortunately, he is one of the best defensive players in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Terrion Arnold was an option, but he’s best suited to play for a defensive coordinator who uses a lot of man coverage. Mitchell, at 6-foot, provides elite athleticism (9.78 Relative Athletic Score) and his feel for playing the position is outstanding. While he is also a bit inexperienced in zone coverage, Mitchell shows a lot more room for growth there and he could immediately become the Colts’ No. 1 cornerback.

Second Round, 46th overall: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota Golden Gophers

Wide receiver and safety are two of the biggest remaining Colts draft needs at this point. However, the pass-catchers that were available in this spot profiled more as underneath options and slot receivers than explosive weapons. So, Indianapolis grabs a new starter at safety.

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Beyond the prototype size and length that Tyler Nubin brings to the table, he’s also a very experienced defensive back that shows up in his football IQ. While he’s not a great athlete (3.64 RAS), his length and intelligence make up for that and help him close in on plays quickly. Below-average speed will prevent him from being a true center field playing deep, but Nubin can be a quality run defender and he’ll help close up gaps in coverage in the intermedia areas of the field. Pairing Nubin and Mitchell together would make the Colts’ secondary dramatically improved in 2024 and well beyond.

Third Round, 82nd overall: Brenden Rice, WR, USC Trojans

We’re finally able to snag a starting wide receiver in our Colts mock draft, though, it’s a bit of a different archetype than we first planned. Brenden Rice, the son of Jerry Rice, isn’t going to be a huge big-play threat at the next level but he offers skills that will translate to immediate success.

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Rice is an excellent route runner and his father did an excellent job coaching him up both on how to do the little things to create separation and what it takes to become a quarterback’s best friend. He’s also a strong wideout, capable of making tough catches and playing through contact. He could be a nice complement to pair with Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs.

Fourth Round, 117th overall: Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

It might seem early to take a running back, especially with how well Jonathan Taylor is capable of playing. However, Zack Moss (183 carries last season) proved that Shane Steichen likes to rotate his running backs. It certainly kept Taylor fresh and there’s nothing wrong with finding a high-end 1b running back to add to this backfield for the next few years.

View running back Audric Estime like a version of Jamaal Williams. He isn’t one of the fastest players at his position, but there’s enough juice to make a few big runs and he becomes a rolling boulder once he builds momentum. Plus, he can also contribute on passing downs. A Taylor-Estime tandem can be even better than what the Colts had last season.