The Indianapolis Colts are just a day away from ending speculation of what they will do in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.
The months-long process is nearly over, but the experts around the NFL came up with their final mock drafts hoping to correctly predict what each team will do.
For the Colts, it has become clear that the experts believe Indy is focusing on the defensive side of the ball, specifically at the cornerback position.
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Here's a look at what the experts are predicting for the Colts in their final mock drafts:
Final NFL mock draft roundup for Colts
Stephen Holder, ESPN: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
The Colts are entering the draft expecting an early rush of offensive picks, which sets them up to take the top defensive back. Mitchell gives the Colts the perfect combination of physical traits (his long physique) and speed (4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash) they seek in cornerbacks. After finishing last season 21st in explosive passing plays allowed, Indy's secondary gets more depth.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
General manager Chris Ballard is all about drafting talented prospects with prototypical traits and athleticism. Mitchell is the freakiest cover corner in the draft, with a dynamic game that matches his supreme gifts.
Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus: CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
Staying at this spot and landing a top-10 prospect on the PFF big board in DeJean is a fantastic result for the Colts. He tested well at his pro day, and while his 2023 season wasn’t as good as his 2022 season, he still earned a 77.0-plus grade in each of the past two seasons. He can also move around the defensive backfield, impressing both in coverage and against the run.
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
He’s got size (6-0, 195), blazing speed (4.33 40 time) and ball skills, two of his six interceptions over the past two seasons turned into pick-sixes. And Indy needs cover help outside, particularly in a division where enemy QBs C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence are bound to put the ball in the air frequently.
Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
Turner’s fall stops! The Colts could use another quality rusher up front and Turner would find himself in a great spot by being able to play with a star defensive lineman like DeForest Buckner. It’s hard to find 21-year-old edge rushers in the draft who also run a 4.47. Don’t be surprised if Turner goes much higher than this during the actual draft.
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
I could talk myself into a WR here but Arnold is CB1 for some teams and I love the idea of adding him to a young secondary that includes last year's second-round pick, JuJu Brents, in addition to Jaylon Jones, flashed at times in '23.
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
