The Indianapolis Colts are just days away from the first round of the 2024 NFL draft where they are hoping to come away with a top-tier haul.
After a relatively quiet offseason that included re-signing the majority of their own free agents, the Colts will need to use the draft to further their plans of competing in a wide-open AFC South division.
Rarely do teams come away with a perfect haul in the NFL draft, but there are certain scenarios that will allow the Colts to earn a high grade from the biggest weekend of the offseason.
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
How the Colts can get A-plus haul in NFL Draft
Add explosive weapon for Anthony Richardson
One of the top priorities going into the draft includes adding more weapons for Richardson to work with as he develops. In some cases, that may be using a first-round pick on a player like Brock Bowers or Brian Thomas Jr. In others, it may be taking a player like Troy Franklin or Xavier Worthy on Day 2. Either way, it will be vital for Chris Ballard to surround Richardson with an explosive weapon in the passing game.
MORE: 5 realistic targets for Colts in first round of NFL draft
Use an early pick on a starting-caliber cornerback
We love to say that teams won't draft for need, but the Colts typically find a way to match value with need when it comes to their early picks. Whether it's using the No. 15 overall pick on a cornerback prospect like Terrion Arnold or Quinyon Mitchell, or waiting until Day 2 for options like Khyree Jackson, Max Melton or Cam Hart, the Colts need to add more starting competition to the cornerback room.
Find a way to trade back before Day 3
It wouldn't be a Chris Ballard draft without a trade or two. Depending on what the board looks like, there's a chance the Colts move back from No. 15 overall in the first round. That would likely net their biggest haul in a trade, and it might be difficult for Ballard to pass up. They also could try to move back from the No. 46 overall pick, which likely would net them a selection or two on Day 3. Either way, we should expect Ballard to add more draft capital to his seven current selections.
MORE: 4 teams the Colts could trade down with in NFL draft
Grab Tanor Bortolini in the fourth round
The Colts still have center Ryan Kelly for one more season, but they might be able to find his successor if Bortolini is available in the fourth round. An extremely smooth mover with experience all over the offensive line. He's still transitioning full-time to the center position, but his elite movement skills and intelligence give him extremely high upside with a year of development as a depth piece.
More depth at safety
Considering the depth of this class, it's more likely the Colts wait until Day 3 to add to the safety position. They re-signed Julian Blackmon, which gives them a stop-gap for a season until he proves he can stay healthy. Adding a prospect like Malik Mustapha, Mark Perry or Ryan Watts on Day 3 would provide a solid mix of positional upside and special teams contributions.
