In a recent seven-round mock draft from Pro Football Focus, the Colts make a big move down the draft board in Round 1.
During Chris Ballard’s tenure as GM, he has shown a willingness to make draft day trades, and when he does, more often than not he’s choosing to move down to accumulate assets.
“I just go off history,” said Ballard about trading down at his pre-draft press conference. “The more picks you have the better chance you have to hit. Now, of course, you’re not going to hit on all of them, but it gives you a better chance to hit.”
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I go into greater detail here on why the Colts could trade down in the 2024 NFL Draft and what they could acquire for doing so.
In addition to trading down, the Colts go off-script in regards to the positions that they choose to address early on–or at least they’re not following the script that many on the outside believe is the best path for them.
Here is a breakdown of the Colts’ seven selections with what you need to know about each move and the prospects.
Nov 11, 2023; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson (11) during the first half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6-4
Weight: 233
RAS: 9.88
PFF rank: 30th
Trade Details: Colts receive Pick Nos. 29 and 61 and a 2025 third-round pick; Lions receive Pick Nos. 15 and 117
What PFF had to say: “It’s a cliché to go “best athlete available” for the Colts, but Payton Wilson certainly ticked that box at the NFL scouting combine. Wilson was exceptional in his final season at NC State, earning grades above 75.0 in all three facets of defense, led by his 90.0 coverage grade with three interceptions and four forced incompletions.”
Breakdown: Linebacker is an underrated need for the Colts. There is little experience and a lot of unknowns on the depth chart behind EJ Speed and Zaire Franklin, while Speed is also set to be a free agent in 2025. But is it a big enough need that the Colts draft a linebacker in Round 1? I suppose with additional draft capital from trading down, GM Chris Ballard has the flexibility to go off-script a bit. Wilson is an excellent athlete and would add a coverage ability at the linebacker position that the Colts don’t currently have.
Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Xavier Legette (17)…
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