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Colts Trade Up for Playmaker in NFL.com 'Sources' Mock
Peter Schrager of "Good Morning Football" believes the Indianapolis Colts will execute a splash trade in round one of the NFL Draft.
Round 1 of the NFL Draft is only nine days away. At this point, teams have at least a general idea of where they’re taking their strategy on draft day, and the Indianapolis Colts are no different.
For general manager Chris Ballard, this is a massive draft for his future with the team. He’ll also look to supply coach Shane Steichen and quarterback Anthony Richardson with as many weapons as possible.
According to Good Morning Football’s Peter Schrager, Indianapolis gets aggressive and trades up in round one for an incredible playmaking receiver. Here’s what Schrager says for the Colts trading up to the ninth overall selection:
“Indianapolis sends Chicago a future second-round pick in order to move up six slots and pounce on Nabers, the star receiver out of LSU. In an AFC South that saw the Jaguars, Texans and Titans all aggressively attack free agency, Colts GM Chris Ballard shows he has some tricks up his sleeve, too.”
This is an interesting scenario if it plays out this way on draft day for the Colts. However, the big question is, "Will Nabers fall to ninth?"
Another important quandary is, “Will Ballard actually make this deal happen?” If he does, it's likely the Chicago Bears will agree to it since the Colts have the 15th overall selection; it also might cost serious draft capital to move just six spots. If Indianapolis can draft Nabers though, they're getting a playmaker with worlds of potential.
In his three years at LSU, Nabers caught 189 passes for 3,003 yards and 21 scores. In 2023 alone, he scorched defenses for 89 catches, 1,569 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns. Needless to say, Nabers, who visited with the Colts last week, is one of the best receiving prospects in this draft and could fit seamlessly in with Steichen's offense. Also, giving fellow pass-catchers Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs more to work with offensively will only help everyone produce more.
While Pittman had an amazing 2023 season (given the QB circumstances), he also dominated the receiving duties and can use help. Nabers does nearly everything at a high level as a receiver, so allowing Richardson to be his quarterback, Reggie Wayne to be his direct coach, and Steichen to scheme up plays, can only blow Nabers' potential sky-high.
We'll see what Indy does next Thursday.
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