Colts NFL mock draft roundup focus mostly on two positions

Kevin Hickey

Colts NFL mock draft roundup focus mostly on two positions image

With the 2024 NFL Draft just about two weeks away, predictions from experts in mock drafts are focusing mostly on two positions for the Indianapolis Colts.

Holding the No. 15 overall pick, there is always a chance general manager Chris Ballard trades back to acquire more selections. Currently with seven selections, the Colts have never ended a draft with fewer than that number throughout Ballard's tenure.

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

In the latest roundup of NFL mock drafts, the experts have the Colts staying put at No. 15 overall with the team's focus mostly set on two positions.

Latest NFL mock draft roundup for the Colts

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson

The Colts brought back Kenny Moore and he needs some speedy downfield coverage in the secondary. They might think about adding more offense, but corner fills a key need and is the better value here.

Rhett Lewis, NFL.com: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

Please refer back to Pick No. 9, Sentence 1. Anthony Richardson has just four starts under his belt, and the Colts must remain committed to surrounding him with high-end talent. Re-signing Michael Pittman was Step 1. Continuing to develop Josh Downs is Step 2. Drafting the best TE in this year's class, who boasts incredible run-after-the-catch skills, is a monster Step 3.

Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus: CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa

DeJean to Indianapolis is one of my favorite fits in this mock draft. The Colts ran zone coverage on 76.9% of their plays last season, far and away the highest rate in the league. A zone-heavy scheme perfectly fits DeJean’s skill set as an athletic, highly instinctual cornerback who is a terrific run defender.

Not to mention, the Colts need help both at cornerback and safety, and DeJean can play both.

Nate Davis, USA TODAY: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

The value in this scenario might just be too tantalizing for GM Chris Ballard. Indy’s both light at tight end and in terms of downfield weapons for second-year QB Anthony Richardson. Despite being limited by an ankle injury for a good chunk of the 2023 season, Bowers, the only two-time Mackey Award winner ever, had 26 TD catches during his three-year college career and averaged nearly 60 grabs for 850 yards as the rare player at his position who could dominate a game offensively – sometimes as a ball carrier. He’d be a nice fit for a team that favors formations with multiple tight ends while becoming a nice option for Richardson and alternative to WR Michael Pittman Jr.

Paul Bretl, Colts Wire: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson

The Colts have to improve at the cornerback position in this year’s draft, and the addition of Nate Wiggins would provide immediate help. He has elite speed and brings good length to the position. Wiggins is scheme versatile and has been one of the best cover corners the last two seasons, allowing a completion rate of just 45 percent at 12 yards per catch while recording three interceptions and 14 pass breakups.

James Fragoza, Pro Football Network: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and now Brock Bowers. Fully healthy, that’s one of the best skill position units in the league.

Bowers isn’t much of a blocker due to his size, but it’s not for a lack of effort. And where he struggles in the run game, he makes up for as a pass catcher, turning short targets into long gains with his YAC ability.

Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State

Corner is a more pressing need for the Colts — but if the top two are gone, the second-best edge would be a fine consolation prize. The Colts are still deciding on Kwity Paye’s fifth-year option, and Verse’s traits will definitely intrigue Chris Ballard. Wide receiver is another possibility here.

Curt Popejoy, Draft Wire: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

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