The Indianapolis Colts spent these past few weeks leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft involved in rumors about a potential trade up from the 15th pick.
There is an obvious reason for this. Despite handing star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. a lofty contract earlier this offseason, Indianapolis needs to provide young quarterback Anthony Richardson more weapons in the passing game.
The Colts have primarily been linked to Rome Odunze of the Washington Huskies. In fact, our final mock before the draft has Indianapolis moving up to the eighth spot with the Atlanta Falcons for the star wide receiver.
“The Indianapolis Colts have two clear needs at wide receiver and cornerback, but the talent level at this position is much higher than the latter. While general manager Chris Ballard would have to forfeit some significant draft capital in this trade, he’d be providing quarterback Anthony Richardson with a wide receiver who is eerily similar to Keenan Allen and Davante Adams.”
Sportsnaut’s Matt Johnson on Indianapolis Colts trading up
While eight seems to be conventional widsom as it relates to trade-up scenarios, there is another possibility at play here. Leave it to Colts owner Jim Irsay to create speculation out of thin air.
Related: Full 7-round Indianapolis Colts mock draft
Indianapolis Colts could trade up for Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024 NFL Draft
In talking to Mike Chappell of Fox 59, Irsay said it is likely “too difficult” to trade far enough up for the former Ohio State standout. But he also provided a somewhat interesting caveat.
“I wouldn’t rule anything out,” Irsay said. “We’re open-minded.”
Outside of an on-field fit, the connections are obvious. Harrison’s father played for the Colts from 1996-2008. He earned eight Pro Bowl appearance with the team, is the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. He’s also a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
With all of that said, this is a potential logistical nightmare for Indianapolis. The top-three picks in the NFL Draft are expected to be quarterbacks. Caleb Williams will go No. 1 to the Chicago Bears. Jayden Daniels is the likely pick of the Washington Commanders at two. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots will either select a quarterback or trade down with a team that will pick one.
This puts the Arizona Cardinals in play at four as a potential trade-down partner. They are said to be open for business.
The question here is cost. A trade up from 15 to four would likely cost the Colts multiple future first-round picks. Are they willing to bank on a generational talent like Harrison Jr. to follow in his father’s footsteps. It’s a real question.
Related: Indianapolis Colts GM addresses possibility of trading up for Marvin Harrison Jr.