We have officially entered the month of April, which means the Indianapolis Colts are putting the finishing touches on their big board ahead of the 2024 NFL draft.
What better way to ring in the month of the draft than to put together a fresh, new seven-round mock draft for the Colts? Using the Mock Draft Simulator for Pro Football Network, we decided to go the route of trading back from the No. 15 overall pick. There's a good chance general manager Chris Ballard stays put, but we also know he likes to add picks.
Here's a look at how the mock draft went down after trading back from No. 15 to No. 28 overall in a deal with the Buffalo Bills:
New 7-round mock draft for the Colts
No. 28 overall (from BUF): WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
Trade Details
- Colts receive: Nos. 28, 60, 2025 2nd
- Bills receive: No. 15
Worthy is one of the draft's fastest risers after he set the new record in the 40-yard dash (4.21 seconds). He's light in the frame, and Ballard's track record typically avoids that. But Worthy was uber-productive throughout his career at Texas, and he would bring an element of explosiveness the Colts are desperately searching for on offense.
No. 46 overall: CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
While the idea of adding Terrion Arnold or Quinyon Mitchell in the first round is enticing, Tampa could be on the Colts' radar in Round 2 if they pass on the position. He's a long boundary cornerback with excellent size and ball skills with the ability to work in both zone coverage and press man.
No. 60 overall (from BUF): DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
The need for interior depth isn't as high as it was earlier in the offseason, and Orhorhoro will be a polarizing prospect. Still, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Ballard spend a Day 2 pick on the high-upside prospect if he's able to add an extra selection via trade.
No. 82 overall: TE Theo Johnson, Penn State
What the Colts will do at tight end remains to be seen. Johnson would be seen as a luxury pick but one with upside considering his elite athleticism, consistent in-line blocking skills and promising receiving ability.
No. 121 overall: CB Elijah Jones, Boston College
Trade Details
- Colts receive: Nos. 121, 203, 207
- Broncos receive: No. 117, 2025 7th
Moving back four spots and adding two more picks in the sixth round is a staple Ballard move. Jones is a perfect fit to compete as a boundary cornerback with Tampa and second-year Jaylon Jones. He has experience with Gus Bradley's type of scheme, and he fits Ballard's mold of cornerbacks perfectly.
No. 151 overall: LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
Simply an athletic pick for upside, Ulofoshio is one of the most athletic linebackers in this class. At 6-foot and 234 pounds, Ulofoshio has 32 3/8-inch arms while posting elite marks in the 40-yard dash (4.56), vertical jump (39.5 inches) and broad jump (10-feet-8-inches).
No. 191 overall: iOL Dylan McMahon, NC State
McMahon is a depth selection with upside if he can add some weight to his frame. He has the versatility to play all three interior spots, and his elite 4.33 in the short shuttle is significant considering it's value for offensive linemen.
No. 203 overall (from DEN): S Mark Perry, TCU
There always seems to be one position the Colts neglect despite it being a need. This offseason appears to be safety. Perry has already had interest from the Colts in the form of a top-30 visit, and it's no surprise they would be looking at him considering his elite athletic ability.
No. 207 overall (from DEN): WR Ryan Flournoy, Southeast Missouri State
Flournoy is an impressive athlete with elite explosiveness. He comes from a smaller school in the FCS but he shined at the Senior Bowl, and he could be an intriguing intermediate option for the Colts to develop.
No. 234 overall: S Ryan Watts, Texas
Whether Watts will be a cornerback or a safety may depend on the team that drafts him. He's an elite athlete with intriguing size and length to develop as a Day 3 pick.
Overview
| Round 1, No. 28 (from BUF) | WR Xavier Worthy, Texas |
| Round 2, No. 46 | CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State |
| Round 2, No. 60 (from BUF) | DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson |
| Round 3, No. 82 | TE Theo Johnson, Penn State |
| Round 4, No. 121 (from DEN) | CB Elijah Jones, Boston College |
| Round 5, No. 151 | LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington |
| Round 6, No. 191 | iOL Dylan McMahon, NC State |
| Round 6, No. 203 (from DEN) | S Mark Perry, TCU |
| Round 6, No. 207 (from DEN) | WR Ryan Flournoy, SE Missouri State |
| Round 7, No. 234 | DB Ryan Watts, Texas |
