Colts Not Done Trading in Kiper's Mock Draft
The Indianapolis Colts had been linked all winter with a move to the No. 1 spot in the NFL Draft, but that spot was taken by the Carolina Panthers when they king's ransom to the Bears for the privilege of picking first.
Though that doesn't mean the Colts are done trying to move up in the draft.
In Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest NFL mock draft on ESPN, he has the Colts swapping places with the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 to make sure they get at least their third choice of the top-four quarterbacks in the draft.
With C.J. Stroud gone to the Panthers at No. 1. Bryce Young to the Houston Texans at No. 2, Kiper has the Colts taking Kentucky's Will Levis over Anthony Richardson of Florida.
Is it possible Ballard likes either Levis or Anthony Richardson as his top passer in this class? Yes, absolutely. In that case, this could be a win-win deal for both teams. The bottom line is the Colts have a solid roster, but they're not going to win without better quarterback play. Barring a dramatic trade for Lamar Jackson -- which would cost two first-round picks -- they should move up to ensure they get Levis.
Levis, a 6-foot-4 QB with a huge arm who played in a pro-style offense at Kentucky, had an inconsistent 2022 season. He didn't play with elite talent, though, and he forced too many throws at times. Indianapolis has the playmakers to help him out as a rookie. New coach Shane Steichen helped Jalen Hurts take a massive leap for the Eagles, and he should be excited to coach up another high-ceiling player. -- Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
The choice between Richardson and Levis might suit new head coach Shane Steichen well as he tries to find the next Jalen Hurts.
They are the best runners of the top-four quarterbacks. Levis had 376-yards rushing in 2021 before sacks dropped his 2022 total into the negatives.
Richardson is considered one of the best athletes... ever... at the quarterback position. His 53.8% completion percentage compared to Levis at 65.4% could prove to be the difference when deciding between the two quarterbacks.
Richardson is a better athlete, but Levis is the more polished passer.
Kiper went with the more-ready quarterback at No. 3 for the Colts.
Would Indianapolis do the same on draft night?
We may get a chance to find out on April 27th.
