The 2024 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and the experts over at ESPN released a new three-round mock draft that has the Indianapolis Colts addressing its primary needs.
In this new mock draft, ESPN experts Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates took turns alternating selections over the course of three rounds. This led to Kiper making the pick at No. 15 and Yates making the picks at Nos. 46 and 82.
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
Colts attack needs in latest ESPN NFL mock draft
No. 15 overall | CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
What Kiper said: "Cornerback is the Colts' biggest need, so this is a good combo of need and best prospect available. This might be a spot to watch if Bowers falls, though."
Arnold is an easy selection to make for the Colts even with Brian Thomas Jr. also on the board. Brock Bowers was gone so adding Arnold to the secondary addresses a major need while still retaining value.
No. 46 overall | WR Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington
What Yates said: "A favorite prospect of mine, Polk is tough, shows excellent body control and has vise-grip-like hands. The Colts can continue to support quarterback Anthony Richardson with another playmaker."
Polk is certainly an interesting prospect but with the Colts focusing on adding more of an explosive vertical threat, there is a question whether he would be an ideal target. This is especially true with Oregon's Troy Franklin available on the board at the time. Still, Polk has some upside to be a solid intermediate target.
No. 82 overall | iOL Dominick Puni, Kansas
What Yates said: "As Indy tries to pad the depth along the interior offensive line, the versatility of Puni -- he can play four different positions -- makes him a great value here. He didn't allow any sacks over the past two seasons."
The entire Colts offensive line is returning from the 2023 season, a campaign in which the entire unit dominated. From a fit standpoint, Puni does match what the Colts like in their offensive linemen. It's simply a question as to whether they would feel the need to spend Day 2 capital when the front five is already set.
