NFL Mock Draft 2024: Colts' final 7-round predictions

After months of waiting, the Indianapolis Colts will finally be on the clock for the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night.

How the Colts will go about their selections is a complete mystery, especially when it comes to the first round. We have a solid history of what general manager Chris Ballard is looking for, but draft weekend is always full of surprises.

For this final iteration, we won't be using any mock draft simulators. Just good old-fashioned predictions.

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Without further ado, here's our final predictions for the Colts:

Final Colts' 7-round NFL mock draft

Round 1, Pick 19 (via LAR): WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

There has been a lot of chatter about the Colts potentially moving up in the draft, but it's more likely they trade back and add more picks. In this deal with the Rams, the Colts move back four spots and add the No. 83 overall pick in the third round. From there, they take an explosive playmaker in Brian Thomas Jr. who fits perfectly in Shane Steichen's offense.

Round 2, Pick 46: CB Max Melton, Rutgers

We have seen the Colts target the cornerback position in the second round a few times throughout Ballard's tenure. Melton is an elite athlete with incredible length, speed and explosiveness. He has a lot of experience working in press coverage, was a two-time team captain and went to the Senior Bowl.

Round 3, Pick 82: EDGE Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian 

Hunt spent three seasons at Cornell before transferring to Houston Christian where he was a two-year starter. He's an elite athlete with impeccable length working from the LEO position. There's a road of development ahead in terms of developing pass-rush counters and refining technique, but there's a lot of upside to him working behind Samson Ebukam.

Round 3, Pick 83 (via LAR): C/G Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin

Some may feel this is a bit rich, and the Colts don't have a pressing need on the offensive line. However, Ryan Kelly is going into the final season of his current contract and will be 31 years old next offseason. Bortolini has rare movement skills and high intelligence with the versatility to work at all three interior spots. But the Colts can mold him into Kelly's successor with him serving a redshirt year.

Round 4, Pick 117: RB Braelon Allen, Wisconsin

Doubling down on the Badgers, there's a good chance Allen sneaks into Day 3. He's the youngest player in this draft and is built like an actual tank. Pairing him with fellow Wisconsin alum Jonathan Taylor would give the Colts a lethal backfield duo to work alongside Anthony Richardson in the run game.

Round 5, Pick 151: LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington

Ulofoshio's profile screams a Chris Ballard selection. At 6-foot and 236 pounds, the Washington product has 32 7/8-inch arms, and he ran a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash while posting a 39.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-8-inch broad jump. He was a team captain and Senior Bowl participant. With Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed entrenched at linebacker, Ulofoshio can serve on special teams during his rookie season.

Round 6, Pick 191: OT Tylan Grable, UCF

A sixth-year senior, Grable will turn 25 years old halfway through his rookie season. Even so, he's an intriguing Day 3 addition for the Colts, who need to add some depth at offensive tackle. At 6-foot-5 and 306 pounds, Grable has impressive movement skills. He posted a 4.95 in the 40-yard dash and a 36.5-inch vertical. He walked on at Jacksonville State and then transitioned from tight end to offensive line so he's still developing his game, but he has the profile to take a chance on late during Day 3.

Round 7, Pick 234: S Ryan Watts, Texas

Watts may have spent his collegiate career working at cornerback, but he's likely to switch to the safety position in the NFL. He's an elite athlete at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds. He started his career at Ohio State before transferring to Texas for his final two seasons. He has 34.5-inch arms, ran a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash and posted a 40.5-inch vertical jump. He's a freak athlete who can contribute on special teams while he further develops his game as a safety.

Colts' 7-round NFL mock draft

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