3 players the Colts should avoid in first round of NFL draft

Kevin Hickey

3 players the Colts should avoid in first round of NFL draft image

The Indianapolis Colts have a lot of decisions to make entering the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, including which players to avoid.

Finding the prospects who best fit the scheme is a vital process for every team throughout the pre-draft process. Conversely, finding the prospects who don't fit is just as important.

The Colts likely have their big board wrapped up with just over 24 hours to go until the draft so it's time to take a look at which prospects they should avoid in the first round.

SN's NFL DRAFT HQ
Live picks tracker | 7-round mock draft | Top 250 big board

NFL draft players Colts should avoid in first round

CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson

While the Colts need to add a cornerback early in the draft, it would be a bit surprising if Wiggins was near the top of their board. There's certainly upside with his game considering his speed and ball skills, but he doesn't fit what the Colts are looking for in an outside cornerback.

Measuring in at 6-foot-1 and 173 pounds with 30.5-inch arms, Wiggins' physical profile is one the Colts haven't targeted early in the draft. They usually go after the bigger-bodied cornerbacks with length. Because of his slight frame, there are concerns with his ability to be a consistent run defender, which is something the Colts need from their cornerbacks.

WR Keon Coleman, Florida State

The hype has cooled somewhat on Coleman being a potential first-round pick, but there's always a chance he finds his way back up there. There's no doubt the Colts need to add to the wide receiver room, but Coleman's profile isn't one that matches up well with what Indy needs.

MORE: 5 realistic targets for Colts in first round of NFL draft

A contested-catch receiver, Coleman isn't going to win with separation. He thrives in those contested-catch situations, showing off impressive ball skills and body control. Winning that way in college is one thing, but it's an entirely different animal in the NFL. If the Colts considered him in the second round, it would make more sense. But the first round is far too rich for his profile.

OT Amarius Mims, Georgia

This really goes for any of the offensive tackles. The Colts are set at offensive tackle with Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith holding down the edges. Mims is intriguing from the perspective of untapped potential and a larger-than-life frame.

Mims is a complete project after starting just eight games throughout his college career. He has a lot of development ahead when it comes to his prospects, and it would be best to let another team take on that project.

For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.

Kevin Hickey

Kevin Hickey Photo

Hickey was previously the managing editor of USA Today's Colts Wire. His work is also featured as a fantasy football analyst for The Huddle. A career .232 hitter, he is an avid reader of Spider-Man comics, an admirer of the James Webb Space Telescope, and a keen enthusiast of Ma’s sauce. You can find him on Twitter/X @KevinHickey11