Colts NFL Draft big board: 40 prospects who could fill positions of need

A lot can change in a year. Unlike in 2023, the Indianapolis Colts aren’t picking fourth overall in the NFL Draft, and they don’t need a quarterback. Anthony Richardson is here, and he’s the future. This time around, Indianapolis’ first pick isn’t until No. 15, and the team will have just one pick in each round when the 2024 draft begins Thursday night.

Though QB is settled, the Colts have a few big needs and could go in several different directions. With that in mind, here is my final big board featuring 40 prospects the Colts should consider through all three days of the draft. They are listed in order of their ranking on Dane Brugler’s list of top 300 prospects.

Day 1

Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. | No. 2

The Colts would have to visit “fantasy land” to trade up and draft Harrison, according to Colts GM Chris Ballard, but I couldn’t make a big board without the son of a Colts legend. Harrison is widely viewed as a generational prospect whose athleticism and polished skill set make him a threat from anywhere on the field.

LSU WR Malik Nabers | No. 3

Indy would have to trade up to select Nabers, but probably not as high as Harrison. Nabers is a master of acceleration and deceleration, according to Brugler, which usually helps him shake free from even the stickiest coverages.

Washington WR Rome Odunze | No. 6

If the board falls just right and the Colts want to be aggressive, I think Odunze is the most realistic big-time receiver they could land. Again, Indianapolis would need to trade up for the talented wideout, who plays extremely well through contact and routinely makes contested catches.

GO DEEPER

NFL Draft confidential: ‘Marvin Harrison is not No. 1’

Georgia TE Brock Bowers | No. 7

Bowers is the only tight end in this year’s class to receive a first-round grade from Brugler. He’s been compared to 49ers star George Kittle and former Colts star Dallas Clark. Obviously, if Indianapolis gave Richardson a player like that to work with, it would instantly boost the team’s offensive firepower.

Alabama CB Terrion Arnold | No. 10

The Colts need another starting-caliber cornerback, and Arnold could be the answer. Arnold has a joyous and infectious personality, but don’t let that fool you. He’s a tenacious defender, whom Brugler compared to Bears star cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell | No. 11

If the Colts are looking for a shutdown cornerback, Mitchell may be their guy. He’s my personal favorite in this year’s class and offers a bit more athleticism than Arnold. Mitchell obviously didn’t face the same level of competition as Arnold, but his tape speaks for itself. His route recognition, anticipation and ball skills set him apart.

Alabama edge Dallas Turner | No. 14

Indianapolis still lacks an elite edge rusher, so perhaps it would take a swing on Turner. The 2023 SEC Defensive Player of the Year has all the physical tools to continue wreaking havoc in the NFL. Turner is ranked as Brugler’s No. 1 edge rusher in this year’s class, and he’s a very coachable player, according to the Alabama staff.

LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. | No. 15

I think Thomas is the most realistic high-end wideout the Colts could land if they stay put at No. 15. He’s an explosive player with the kind of big-play ability that would really open up Indianapolis’ offense. Brugler compared Thomas’ upside, in a best-case scenario, to be on par with Bengals star Tee Higgins.

Florida State edge Jared Verse | No. 20

Verse has one of the most inspiring NFL Draft stories. He didn’t have any FBS scholarship offers after high school, began his college career at FCS Albany and parlayed that into a chance to eventually star at Florida State. Now, his violent hands and relentless motor have turned him into a highly coveted NFL prospect.

UCLA edge Laiatu Latu | No. 22

Latu is a pass-rush technician with an array of moves in his arsenal to pair with his impressive flexibility. The biggest red flag on Latu, which the Colts and other teams will certainly consider, is his medical history. Latu sustained a neck injury in 2020 that forced him to medically retire in 2021 before returning to the field and dominating in 2022 and 2023.

Clemson CB Nate Wiggins | No. 25

Wiggins ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, and his blazing speed shows up on tape with how quickly he’s able to recover even after he’s initially beaten. His frame is a bit concerning at just 173 pounds and could make Ballard pass on him altogether. However, if the Colts were to trade back in the first round and Wiggins was still available, his upside may be worth the risk.

Iowa CB Cooper DeJean | No. 27

DeJean wouldn’t be my first choice at cornerback in this year’s class, but if the Colts traded back a few spots, this would be a strong pick. The former four-sport high school star possesses elite athleticism and could be a perfect fit for Indianapolis defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s zone-heavy scheme.

Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry | No. 30

McKinstry is another starting-caliber cornerback the Colts could target if they trade back in the first round. He’s a disruptive yet disciplined defender, evidenced by his seven pass breakups and zero penalties last year.

Will Texas WR Adonai Mitchell still be available for the Colts in the second round? (Aaron E. Martinez / USA Today)

Day 2

Western Michigan edge Marshawn Kneeland | No. 32

Kneeland isn’t as bendy as NFL teams would likely prefer, be he still has adequate size and length to constantly make his presence felt up front. Brugler said Kneeland’s best football “is yet to come.”

Texas WR Adonai Mitchell | No. 33

Mitchell’s size, speed and strong hands could make him a game-changing receiver at the next level. If the Colts pass on a wideout in the first round, Mitchell wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize in the second — if he falls that far. His presence alone would force defenses to shift their coverage, while opening up the field more for Richardson to distribute the ball to the Colts’ other pass catchers.

Missouri edge Darius Robinson | No. 35

Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Robinson, “is one of the hardest guys to block in our league,” according to Brugler. He has the ideal size, length and power to build on a dominant 2023 college campaign, which featured 14 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

Florida State WR Keon Coleman | No. 37

Coleman made some highlight-reel catches last year that made me believe he could eventually become a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. He isn’t the fastest guy and needs to clean up his route running, but when the ball is in the air, Coleman has a good chance of coming down with it.

Washington State S Jaden Hicks | No. 39

The Colts’ starting free safety spot isn’t solidified, and Hicks looks like he could fit the bill. He’s a rangy and versatile defender on the backend with a knack for lowering the boom when necessary.

Florida WR Ricky Pearsall | No. 45

Pearsall played one season with Richardson at Florida, so perhaps a familiar face could benefit Richardson’s development. But more important than their relationship is Pearsall’s skill set. Although he primarily lined up in the slot at Florida, his size and speed could make him a threat on the outside, too.

GO DEEPER

Colts mock draft analysis: What Dane Brugler got right and where he might have gone wrong

Texas WR Xavier Worthy | No. 50

Colts head coach Shane Steichen and wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne both got a closer look at Worthy (and Mitchell) during Texas’ pro day. Worthy set the combine record with a 4.21-second 40-yard dash and will add a lethal downfield element to any NFL offense he joins. I also think he’s an underrated route runner and can be more than just a deep threat.

Oregon WR Troy Franklin | No. 58

Franklin is another speedy wideout who can take the top off a defense and make something special happen if he gets the ball in his hands with any daylight. Although Franklin is 6-foot-1, he weighed in at just 176 pounds at the combine, so that could be a bit concerning for his long-term durability.

Rutgers CB Max Melton | No. 63

Melton doesn’t have the height Ballard prefers in cornerbacks, standing 5-foot-11, but his speed and other traits could make him an enticing prospect. The 22-year-old still has a 9.09 RAS (relative athletic score) and can play inside or outside.

Penn State edge Adisa Isaac | No. 65

Isaac plays with a tireless motor and has “(an) outstanding blend of length, bend and speed,” according to Brugler. He’ll need to improve his pass-rush instincts to parlay his physical gifts into more production in the NFL.

GO DEEPER

As a son and brother, Penn State’s Adisa Isaac ‘juggled a lot’ — now comes the NFL

Alabama edge Chris Braswell | No. 67

Braswell is a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with his explosiveness and overall athleticism. A two-time member of Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List,” Braswell may need some time to develop into a full-time starter at the next level, but his potential is undeniable.

Minnesota S Tyler Nubin | No. 68

Nubin is an instinctive player with a high IQ, which usually keeps him in the right spot on the backend. He’s not going to wow anyone with his athleticism, but he’s tough and reliable.

Utah S Cole Bishop | No. 70

Bishop is a dynamic athlete, and with a 6-foot-2, 206-pound frame, he fits the Ballard mold like a glove. He made his presence felt all over the backend during his time at Utah and isn’t afraid to lower the boom if he’s asked to make a play near the line of scrimmage. The Colts did well the last time they drafted a safety from Utah (Julian Blackmon.)

South Carolina WR Xavier Legette | No. 76

Legette only had one productive season at South Carolina, which was last year, but it’s hard to overlook the 1,255 receiving yards and seven TDs he tallied when things finally clicked for him. Brugler said Legette gives him “DK Metcalf vibes” thanks to his big-bodied frame and game-breaking speed.

Washington edge Bralen Trice | No. 82

Trice doesn’t have ideal length or speed, but his hands are violent, and his motor is tireless. The latter two traits could still help him grow into being an impactful NFL player, despite his other deficiencies.

NC State LB Payton Wilson | No. 88

Linebacker isn’t a pressing need for the Colts, but they don’t have much depth behind Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed, so it may not be a bad idea to add another linebacker to the mix. Wilson has a lengthy injury history, though it would be hard to tell based on the impressive range and physicality he put on display in 2023.

North Carolina WR Devontez Walker | No. 93

The Colts drafted a North Carolina wide receiver last year in Josh Downs, and Walker could be talented enough to make them want to come back for seconds. He’ll need to diversify his route running in the NFL, though his speed and big-play prowess will make him a threat whenever he’s on the field.

The Colts could use an explosive No. 2 RB behind Jonathan Taylor. Purdue’s Tyrone Tracy Jr. would fit the bill. (Robert Goddin / USA Today)

Day 3

Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen | No. 97

The Colts’ backup running back duties are up for grabs, and Allen could be the player to fill that void. He compiled 3,494 rushing yards and 35 rushing TDs at Wisconsin and would likely thrive in a lesser role alongside a dual-threat QB.

Wisconsin OL Tanor Bortolini | No. 109

Bortolini, who started at center last year, has started at least one game in college at every position on the offensive line except for left tackle. His experience and versatility project him to be a backup early on in the NFL, with starting potential down the line.

Purdue RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. | No. 119

Tracy can sometimes struggle to make the right read at the line of scrimmage, but you know who could help a lot with that? The Colts’ dual-threat QB, Richardson. He would make life much easier on Tracy, so all he’d have to do is run hard and get upfield. Tracy is also a stout blocker in pass protection.

Arkansas OL Beaux Limmer | No. 122

Limmer is an impressive athlete for his size and a weight-room legend at Arkansas. He “projects as an immediate backup (center and guard) with starting potential at center,” according to Brugler. With Ryan Kelly’s future in Indy uncertain, drafting his heir would make sense.

Illinois TE Tip Reiman | No. 142

A former walk-on at Illinois, Reiman is a bit of a late bloomer, but he has great size and athleticism that give him promising upside in the NFL. He’ll need time to develop, though if the Colts picked him, he could be viewed as Mo Alie-Cox’s long-term replacement if he excels as a blocker early on. Keep in mind, Alie-Cox is entering the final year of his contract.

Louisville RB Isaac Guerendo | No. 146

Guerendo is another traits-over-production prospect. He didn’t have an illustrious career at Louisville, but his final year was productive enough for a team to likely take a Day-3 swing on the athletic ball carrier.

Notre Dame CB Cam Hart | No. 147

Hart stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 202 pounds, making him a massive CB. He’s the type of player Ballard may consider based on his physical traits. He must improve his footwork to survive in the NFL, but at least that’s teachable, whereas his size and athleticism are not.

Washington LB Edefuan Ulofoshio | No. 151

Ulofoshio never gives up on a play and always finds himself around the ball thanks to his relentless motor. He may never become a starter in the NFL, but his physical gifts make him an enticing Day 3 pick. At a minimum, Ulofoshio projects as a core special teamer.

Wyoming OT Frank Crum | No. 219

Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 313 pounds, Crum is a towering figure with plenty of experience. He’ll need to refine his technique at the next level, but his strength and IQ make him an ideal candidate for a swing tackle role.

Illinois WR Isaiah Williams | No. 259

Isaiah McKenzie joined the Giants in free agency, leaving the Colts with a need for a backup slot receiver and return man. Williams, known for making defenders miss in tight quarters, checks both of those boxes.

Scoop City Newsletter

Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox. Sign up

Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox. Sign up

Buy

(Photo of Thomas: Matthew Hinton / USA Today)