Horseshoe Huddle

Indianapolis Colts: 3 Impactful Draft Day Situations

The Indianapolis Colts could go several directions in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.

Jake Arthur

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) reacts
Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) reacts / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
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The NFL draft is only a few weeks away as the league prepares for the future of their franchises. For the Indianapolis Colts, this year's first round is highly intriguing due to the unknown of which direction Chris Ballard and the Indy war room may go on April 25th.

While there are assumptions that Indy will use the 15th pick on a position like wide receiver or cornerback, it's also true that anything can happen on draft day. With that as the subject, it's time to overview three scenarios for Indianapolis in round one that would go against the grain of what's assumed.

Drafting Defensive Tackle Byron Murphy

Notable draft experts like ESPN’s Matt Miller and NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein have put out mock drafts that feature the Colts landing Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II with the 15th overall selection. This would undoubtedly be a curious decision if Indianapolis went in that direction.

While Ballard does value athletic monsters and disruptors on the defensive front, there seem to be other areas of the roster that need more help than defensive tackle. Also, DeForest Buckner and the recently retained Grover Stewart command the defensive interior. Behind that duo is the depth signing of Raekwon Davis, further cementing the tackle spot.

Yes, Murphy possesses the traits that Ballard loves, but with the recent moves at defensive tackle and other needs on the depth chart, I can't see this as a possibility. However, it cannot be written off entirely with the hectic nature of round one.

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Getting a Top-Tier Edge Rusher

The Colts set the Indy-era sack record in 2023 with 51 total. Samson Ebukam (9.5), Kwity Paye (8.5), Dayo Odeyingbo (8.0), and Buckner (8.0) accounted for 34 of the 51 sacks and showcased potential as a unit. However, there was still inconsistent pressure on quarterbacks, resulting in Indy finishing as the 28th-ranked scoring defense in the NFL (24.4 points allowed per game).

The secondary struggles can be partly attributed to this, but so can the roller coaster of pressure on passers throughout the 2023 season. With this metric and Paye's fifth-year option upcoming, could the Colts use round one for edge help?

Players like Jared Verse (Florida State), Laiatu Latu (UCLA), and Chop Robinson (Penn State) are all within the 15th overall range. And, if he falls in the draft, Alabama's Dallas Turner may be picked up for the potential alone. If a defensive end is selected by Indianapolis this early, it’s effectively writing the message that the franchise may not have Paye in their plans for the future.

The newly hired defensive line coach Charlie Partridge hints that Indy felt their 2023 front was a solid tutor away from being dominant, so don't expect an edge rusher at 15. But, as with the entry before, anything can happen on draft day, and Ballard said: "You can never have enough edge rushers."

A Trade Back

The Colts are lucky this year due to the incredibly stacked wide receiver class in the upcoming draft. There are the big names like Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., Washington's Rome Odunze, and LSU's Malik Nabers. But there are plenty of other talented pass-catchers who could fit Shane Steichen's scheme just fine.

If Indy feels like LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. isn't the fit they want (or he's been selected), they could trade back in the first round and still land a great addition at receiver. It's also fair to say this scenario likely needs either multiple players the Colts are interested in to be available at 15; or if Indy feels that someone they're most interested in is a later round one potential.

Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers (20th), Philadelphia Eagles (22nd), and the Dallas Cowboys (24th) all need positions like receiver or defensive back, among others. This means that Indy could stay within striking distance if they can get a trade done with one of these interested teams. There could also be more/less trade offers, these three teams seem most notable in this situation. If the Colts do this, they may also select a different position than a receiver if they move back. However, it would feel like a play for Texas weapon Xavier Worthy while grabbing additional picks.

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Jake Arthur

JAKE ARTHUR

Jake Arthur has covered the NFL and the Indianapolis Colts for a decade. He is a member of the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) and FantasyPros' expert panel. He has also contributed to multiple NFL Draft guides.