The Indianapolis Colts have never traded up in the first round of the NFL draft under general manager Chris Ballard so we decided to see what that would look like if he did.
With the need to add some explosiveness to the offensive side of the ball, likely the only realistic scenario for a trade-up would be if one of the top three wide receivers—Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze—fell beyond the top-six picks in the draft.
Using the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator, we conducted a three-round mock including a trade from the No. 15 spot to the No. 9 spot. It costed a 2025 second-round pick.
For more Coltss coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
Colts 3-round NFL mock draft includes big trade-up
Round 1, Pick 9: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Being able to trade up six spots without giving up any draft capital in this year's haul was nice. Whether that would happen in reality is a different question. Moving up for Odunze is close to a no-brainer. He may not be the vertical threat the Colts have been linked to this offseason, but he's a blue-chip prospect.
Odunze won't win with elite speed, but he's as polished as a wide receiver prospect can be coming out of college. His ability to set up defenders at the top of his routes makes him a menace at all levels of the field, and his secure hands make him an easy target for Anthony Richardson.
The Colts could sit back and hope that either Brock Bowers or Brian Thomas Jr. falls to them at No. 15. Both prospects would be fantastic additions. But Odunze might bring the Colts offense to an entirely different level while giving the offense and incredible trio at wide receiver for years to come.
Round 2, Pick 52 (via LAR): S Jaden Hicks, Washington State
Another trade, but this time the Colts move back six spots in a deal with the Rams, adding the No. 99 overall pick at the end of the third round. The Colts re-signed Julian Blackmon to a one-year deal, and they have third-year defenders Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II battling it out at free safety.
Hicks is an intriguing prospect for the Colts due to his elite athleticism and versatility to work both as a deep safety and near the line of scrimmage. He might be best suited near the line of scrimmage, but his versatility will be a major calling card for any team wanting to draft him.
Round 3, Pick 82: CB Khyree Jackson, Oregon
It would be a major risk for the Colts to go into the season with such a young cornerback group again. Jackson fits the Colts' scheme extremely well even if some analysts are split on where he will go during draft weekend.
At 6-foot-3 and 194 pounds, Jackson has 32 3/4-inch arms. He's an explosive athlete, evident from his 36.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-1-inch broad jump. He brings a high motor and willingness to do the dirty work and will fit well into the zone coverage scheme the Colts employ.
Round 3, Pick 99 (via LAR): iOL Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin
With Ryan Kelly on the final year of his contract, the Colts may be looking to find his replacement. Bortolini would be an intriguing addition to the offensive line thanks to his versatility and experience playing multiple positions across the offensive line.
On top of that, he's a rare athlete who posted an insane 4.28 in the short shuttle at 303 pounds. He'll need more time to help transition to the center position full-time, but he has the traits and intelligence to be a starting center.
Colts 3-round mock draft results
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | School |
| 1 | 9 | Rome Odunze | WR | Washington |
| 2 | 52 | Jaden Hicks | S | Washington State |
| 3 | 82 | Khyree Jackson | CB | Oregon |
| 3 | 99 | Tanor Bortolini | iOL | Wisconsin |
