Colts Make Puzzling Picks in ESPN's Latest Mock Draft

The Indianapolis Colts put forth a draft nobody saw coming in ESPN’s latest projection.

The Indianapolis Colts are currently in the thick of NFL free agency. While the Colts haven't made many headline-grabbing moves, they've focused most of the period on keeping in-house talent for quarterback Anthony Richardson. Integral players like wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., cornerback Kenny Moore II, defensive tackle Grover Stewart, and linebacker Zaire Franklin have all received new contracts to secure their services.

While plenty of time is left in free agency, Indy general manager Chris Ballard tends to focus on the NFL draft to solidify the roster. With this strategy in mind, it's time to look at a recent ESPN mock draft from analyst Matt Miller covering all seven rounds. This projection is a peculiar one from start to finish for Indianapolis.

Round 1 | Byron Murphy II (Defensive Tackle - Texas)

Wherever Miller got the idea that Indianapolis will take a defensive tackle at the No.15 overall selection is beyond my mental abilities to decipher.

While Byron Murphy is a strong prospect, he's not a fit for the Colts at that 15th overall location. After recently signing Stewart to a new deal and acquiring Raekwon Davis, the Colts won't select interior defense this early. There's always a chance this happens later in the draft, but not in round one.

Round 2 | Marshawn Kneeland (Defensive End - Western Michigan)

It's fair to say that the Colts can use additional edge-rushers, as many teams can. However, it's becoming clear that Indianapolis likes the pass rushers they already have on the roster.

Along with the addition of defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, players like Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Tyquan Lewis will look to improve as a unit. But Miller has Indy looking the way of Western Michigan defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.

Kneeland is a great athlete and had solid grades per Pro Football Focus in 2023. Kneeland posted a pass-rush grade of 84.7 and a run defense mark of 83.4. He also provided overall prowess from the defensive end spot, landing at 89.7 for a general defensive grade. Kneeland could make a lot of sense for multiple teams, but the Colts don't feel like that option in the second round.

Round 3 | Kris Abrams-Draine (Cornerback - Missouri)

One of the top needs for Indianapolis is starting/depth talent at cornerback. Last season, Indy's coverage was a liability and showed a need to help skilled players like Moore and JuJu Brents against passers. The Colts are indeed highly likely to select a cornerback, or two, in the 2024 NFL Draft. Miller believes that Missouri defender Kris Abrams-Draine fits the bill.

Where the selection doesn't make sense is for Indy not to select a corner in rounds one or two. Abrams-Draine has stats that showcase the potential to force turnovers and provide tight coverage (seven career interceptions and 34 passes defended), but don't expect the Colts to pick him. There might also be better cornerbacks when the Colts pick in round three than Abrams-Draine that fit Gus Bradley's scheme properly.

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Round 4 | Tykee Smith (Safety- Georgia)

Along with cornerback, safety is an area of the Indy defense that needs more talent. It's possible that the team is ready to give the strong safety role to Nick Cross while adding more to the free safety. Currently, the Colts have Rodney Thomas II in that role. While Thomas had a promising rookie year, he slumped badly in 2023.

Miller likes Georgia's Tykee Smith as a fourth-rounder. If the Colts go in this direction, they're getting a solid addition. In five years, Smith compiled 212 tackles (21.5 for loss), 5.0 sacks, eight interceptions, and 12 passes defended. Smith would compete with Thomas and Daniel Scott for reps and potential starting role depending on the Colts' free agency.

Round 5 | Tahj Washington (Wide Receiver - USC)

The Colts have preached for more explosiveness on offense in 2024. Tahj Washington from USC is who Indy goes with during round five in this mock. While this is actually a perfect fit, it will happen if Indianapolis double dips in the draft and Washington is one of the two pass-catchers.

In college, Washington caught 209 passes for 3,224 receiving yards (15.4 avg) and 22 all-purpose scores (21 receiving). While Washington played great in his NCAA career, he's not good enough for Indy to not select a receiver earlier in the draft. With free agency's best pass-catchers pretty much off the board at this point, Washington is only realistic if he's the second receiver Indy picks.

Round 6 | Trevor Keegan (Offensive Tackle - Michigan)

Having depth for the offensive line is always valuable. The Colts found this out during the 2023 season when right tackle Braden Smith was out multiple games due to injury. Then-rookie Blake Freeland played hard but not effectively. While there's still time for Freeland to develop, another blocker makes sense.

The Trevor Keegan prediction is one that has a high probability of coming true. In 2023, Keegan was solid for the Michigan Wolverines, posting 836 offensive snaps and a great 80.7 pass-blocking grade, per PFF. Keegan is a versatile offensive lineman who can play in crucial times should Indy require it.

Round 7 | Jordan Magee (Linebacker - Temple)

Possibly my favorite pick from this mock draft, Temple's Jordan Magee is the coverage linebacker that Indianapolis needs alongside Franklin, E.J. Speed, and Segun Olubi. Not only did Magee post a coverage grade of 79.8 with plenty of passing snaps taken, but he's also a good run defender (79.1 grade and 31 career tackles for loss).

If a player like Magee can mesh with the Colts defense, it will be a seventh-round steal for Indianapolis. Magee does a lot of things well and can only improve with development. We'll have to see if this is a name to watch in the last round of the draft for Ballard to take.